Oregon State Ranked First by Collegiate Baseball

After starting the season 8-0, including two victories apiece over Nebraska and Ohio State in the Big 10-Pac-12 Challenge, Oregon State has moved up to number one in Collegiate Baseball’s Top 25.

Oregon State finished one point ahead of reigning National Champions Florida in the voting. Florida has also started the season strong but dropped one game this weekend to Miami for a 7-1 record.

The other major rankings have kept Florida at number one and OSU at number two, but things may be moving the Beavers way. The Beavers return from Arizona to start their home schedule this weekend, with a series against Hartford University, currently 0-3.

The offense has driven the strong start to the season. The Beavers are currently batting a .365 average as a team, good enough for third in the nation. Trevor Larnach has stepped up in a big way this season, with a .556 average and a massive 1.787 OPS.

The next few weeks could be crucial for the Beavers season, as they will have to succeed without star second baseman Nick Madrigal. Madrigal fractured his wrist in the Beaver win over Ohio State on Friday and is estimated to be out for three to six weeks. That period includes series against Cal State Fullerton, always a strong team but off to a slow start this year, and division rivals California and Washington.

Check back in later in the week for a preview of this weekend’s series against Hartford.