Alex Lange Dominates As LSU Tops OSU 3-1

For the first time since the month of April an Oregon State baseball game ended with the Beavers on the wrong side of the score board. Led by an absolute gem from ace Alex Lange the Tigers avenged Monday’s blowout loss to the Beavs with a 3-1 victory to force a winner take all game tomorrow for a spot in the championship series.

Jake Thompson got his second start of the college world series, going 6 ²⁄₃ innings while giving up 3 runs. The Tigers did most their damage in the 2nd inning when 3 hits and a sacrifice bunt gave the Tigers a 2-0 lead. LSU struck again in the 7th inning with a lead off home run from LSU third baseman Josh Smith that cleared the right field bullpen. Senior Max Englebrekt got the call in relief pitching 2 ¹⁄₃ innings of scoreless baseball despite loading the bases in the top of the 9th.

Alex Lange, who was the 30th overall pick by the Cubs last week, kept OSU batters off balance all day. The junior righty pitched 7 ¹⁄₃ innings while only giving up 2 hits to OSU batters, a pair of doubles from Tyler Malone and Michael Gretler. The game was not without controversy, as Steven Kwan hit a ball to the wall that was rule foul despite clearly hitting the yellow foul marker on the fence. The NCAA admitted to Oregonian reporter Danny Moran that the play should have been reviewed.

Oregon State still picked up a run in the inning following a bases loaded walk to Trevor Larnach. The Beavs were held hitless after a 4th inning double from Malone. Zach Hess came on in relief for LSU in the 8th inning, striking out 4 en route to a save.

OSU and LSU will square off tomorrow to determine who plays in the championship series which will begin on Monday. Tomorrow’s game time will be determined following tonight’s TCU and Florida game. The Beavs are expected to send Drew Rasmussen to the mound.