Oregon State Baseball: Defense Improves In 2-1 Win Over Oregon

Oregon State came into Friday’s game with well-deserved confidence following a series-opening win over the Ducks.

In this game, they improved upon their three-error performance from the previous night with just a single error. Oregon committed none. The Beavs also outhit the Ducks 5-4 in this game in order to secure the victory.

The two squads were in a stalemate until the fifth inning when Tyler Malone hit a solo shot to right center. This was his fourth straight game with a home run.

OSU added another run in the bottom of the sixth with a sac fly from Adley Rutschman.

While it didn’t result in a run, Nick Madrigal tripled in this game and it was certainly a sight.

Oregon got a rally going in the top of the ninth that resulted in an RBI sac fly by Jakob Goldfarb, but the Ducks would be unable to take this one to extras.

Bryce Fehmel made the start on the mound and earned his fifth win, bringing his record to 5-1 on the year. Fehmel pitched 7.1 innings with three hits, a walk, and four strikeouts. Dylan Pearce pitched 0.2 innings of relief allowing a hit and Oregon’s only run of the game.

Jake Mulholland stepped in in the ninth earning the final two outs to secure the win and his eleventh save of the season, which ties him for fourth in the NCAA.

As I said, the fielding was much much better tonight and it probably saved OSU’s win. Oregon’s best pitcher Kenyon Yovan brought the heat, but the Beavs made a few huge defensive plays to keep their advantage.

The series finale is set for Saturday at 4:00 PM PT as the Beavers go for the sweep.