Oregon State Drops Series to Washington State

Oregon State came up short in their three game series against Washington State, winning the first game, but dropping the next two. Struggles at the mound and plate were common last night and today was no different. As the Beavers continued to lack constancy at the plate that hindered their offense. The pitching failed to give Beavers breathing room as Luke Heimlich gave up eight hits, four runs over six innings pitched and was handed his first lost of the season. The Beavers with the 8-3 loss now drop to the 6-6 against the Pac-12 (23-9 overall) and Washington improves to (12-20, 5-10 Pac-12).

Washington State got off to an early lead scoring in the first inning. After being held scoreless for the first two innings, Oregon State batters came alive in the third with an Trever Morrison double to left field to score Billy King. Christian Donahue drove in Morrison to give the Beavers a 2-1 lead.

The Beavers lead again was short lived as the Cougars tied the game in the fourth. They added runs in the fifth and sixth to extend their lead to 4-2 as Heimlich struggled at the mound. Heimlich was replaced by Mitch Hickey in the seventh inning, as he held the Cougars scoreless in that inning.

Logan Ice cut the lead to one with a solo home run in the eight inning 4-3. The Beavers again would fall apart fast in the games final innings. As Hickey walked batters back to back, Pat Casey quickly replaced him with Max Engelbrekt. Engelbrekt had a rough time on the mound as he walked the next batter to load up the bases. The Cougars Stefan Van Horn hit a single to left field to drive two runs to extend the lead to 6-3.

Things weren't over as Engelbrekt again filled up the bases, it was de'ja' vu all over again as Trek Stemp singled to left field driving in two more runs to give the Cougars a 8-3 lead. The Beavers were held scoreless in the final inning in their 8-3 loss. In what was a disappointing series loss to the Pac-12 worst team, the Beavers came up short due to late inning meltdowns. Oregon State pitchers gave up 11 hits, and Oregon State batters left eight on base, so there are many things to improve on as the Beavers move deeper into the season.

Oregon State continues Pac-12 play against in state rival Oregon at PK Park Monday at 6pm.