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Notes from Oregon State’s Post Game Press Conference

After a frustrating loss, a few of the Beavers try to explain the game.

By John Severs
NCAA Baseball: College World Series-North Carolina vs Oregon State Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Nothing seemed to go right for the Beavers at TD Ameritrade Park today, and after the game they struggled to find answers.

Head Coach Pat Casey, Catcher Adley Rutschman, and Outfielder Trevor Larnach spoke to the press following the Beavers 8-6 loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels. All three seemed frustrated with their inability to bring their best baseball to the World Series Stage.

“You know, you never like to lose. Losing is not fun,” Rutschman said. “A game like today, where you know you can play better is probably the biggest thing for us, is players knowing we can compete at a higher level.”

Larnach followed up. “ It’s baseball. It happens. Definitely didn’t want it to happen today. But it happened. We’ll bounce back next time.”

The weather in Omaha also came up. It was an especially hot day in Nebraska, and with the length of the game, a record for a nine inning game at the College World Series, some were wondering if that may have affected a Beaver squad that was not used to such temperatures.

Larnach was mostly unfazed, “It is what it is,” he said, but he did express some concern for his teammate. I’m more concerned for Rutsch; he’s back there catching with all the gear.”

Coach Casey was pragmatic, however. “ I don’t think it had any impact on the game from our standpoint. I think it was as hot for them as it was for us.”

Despite not attending the press conference, Luke Heimlich was a big topic of conversation. Heimlich threw maybe his worst game of the year in the loss. “Luke is a phenomenal guy and a phenomenal pitcher, a very competitive guy,” Rutschman said. “To not be able to throw his best in his first game in Omaha probably kills him.”

Casey did not have any easy answers. “ He certainly didn’t have his stuff. I don’t think he was nervous. I don’t know.”

The Beavers will have to find answers if they don’t want to get eliminated on Monday. Oregon State will take on Pac 12 rival Washington, who lost their first game against Mississippi State today.