Oregon State’s offense set the tone early, with Adam Haight delivering a run-scoring double in the first inning that led to Josh Proctor’s sacrifice fly, putting the Beavers on the board. Haight continued his impressive offensive outing, surpassing his previous single-game mark with another double in the fifth inning that extended Oregon State’s lead to 2-0. The Beavers extended their lead in the sixth inning with consecutive RBI singles from AJ Singer and Paul Vazquez, followed by a sacrifice bunt by Tyler Inge that brought in their fifth run of the game.
Dax Whitney was the star on the mound for Oregon State, dominating the UC Irvine lineup. He recorded 11 strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings, allowing only one run on a single by Zach Fjelstad in the sixth inning. Whitney improved his season record to 4-0 with the win. The Beavers’ bullpen also contributed significantly, with Isaac Yeager and Wyatt Queen combining for 3 2/3 scoreless innings and an additional eight strikeouts. Queen also secured his first save of the season.
The strong pitching performance was a hallmark of the game, with Oregon State’s staff amassing 19 strikeouts, their second-highest total of the season. This dominant pitching limited UC Irvine to just one run, showcasing the Beavers’ depth and skill on the mound. Offensively, Adam Haight’s four hits were a season-high for any Oregon State player, demonstrating his crucial role in the team’s success. The Beavers’ ability to consistently generate runs, from early scoring to late-game insurance, proved to be a winning formula.
The victory not only starts the series on a high note for Oregon State but also continues their recent success against UC Irvine, having now won three consecutive games against them. The Beavers will look to carry this momentum into the remainder of the three-game series.
