In a game characterized by great defense for Oregon State, the Beavers knocked off Stanford in Game 1 of the Super Regionals. I knew that Game 1 would make or break the Beavers, and I'm glad OSU came away with the win. Game 2 is tonight, at 7pm in Corvallis. If Oregon State wins, they advance to the College World Series. If they lose, Game 3 will be played Monday to decide the Super Regional.
Oregon State swept Stanford in a three-game series in Corvallis during the regular season, but the Cardinal rebounded to win nine of their last 15 conference games. The Beavers have taken 6 of 7 from them in the last two seasons. Now the Cardinal sit on the edge of not making the CWS for the third year in a row.
The crowd got into it early, with the game starting off with a great snag by Chris Kunda, the Beaver second baseman. Darwin Barney added some great plays, one of which you can see below. I think the runner was called safe, but this was still a great play.
On top of that, Dallas Buck contributed 8 solid innings on the mound, giving up 8 hits.
Stanford had a rough night fielding the ball, but Oregon State never really took advantage. Stanford third baseman Randy Molina committed two errors and was heavily heckled by Oregon State fans on the third base line. He struck out once, before being replaced by Cord Phelps in the last inning.
Game 2 is tonight. For those of you not going, remember that it will be televised on ESPN2 if you live in Oregon.
Go Beavers!