With only six Pac-10 games remaining, the Oregon State baseball team welcomes the UCLA Bruins to Goss Stadium this weekend for a big series that could determine who makes the postseason and who stays home.
“It’s huge. Every game we play now we have to win,” pitcher James Nygren said. “We’ve got to take at least two out of three against UCLA. We’re going to do everything we can to win these games.”
The Beavers have won two in a row after dropping the previous four to Gonzaga and Washington State. Oregon State (22-18, 9-9) is currently tied for fourth place with Cal in the Pac-10 and currently sits three games out of first with only six conference games remaining. UCLA (24-21, 7-8) is right behind the Beavers in fifth place and will come to Corvallis looking to improve its postseason position as well.
“Obviously everyone in the Pac-10 is important because they’re only a half-game behind us,” coach Pat Casey said. “We only got six to go and obviously every win is important.”
The Beavers are coming off a 4-1 win over the Portland Pilots on Wednesday after dropping two of three to Washington State over the weekend. The pitching staff got a much-needed rest with Nygren’s solid eight-inning performance against Portland before the bullpen was used. The freshman earned his first collegiate win.
The Oregon State pitching staff was lit up in Pullman, allowing a combined total of 30 runs in the three-game series.
The Beavers must play much better this weekend if they hope to compete with the Bruins, who will be looking to put a dent in the two-time defending champs’ bid to return to the postseason for a fourth consecutive year. The coaches and players know what the Bruins bring to the table.
“We’ve had some great battles with UCLA,” Casey said.
“We’re going to have to play some great baseball in order to win the series.”
Playing great down the stretch has been the Beavers’ calling card the past few seasons, and once again it will come down to finishing the season strong. The Beavers have shown that playing the best baseball in May and June is when it matters the most. Hopefully for Oregon State fans that is the case once again. The Bruins are going to be a tough test.
“We need to win at least two to help out our chances for the playoffs,” first baseman Jordan Lennerton said. “We need to come out and play well like I know we can.”
Game one of the series is today at 5 p.m. with Mike Stutes taking the mound for the Beavers. Stutes has struggled this season with a 2-6 record and an ERA just over six, but he has a knack for pitching well at home in big games. Stutes leads the Beavers in innings pitched (65) and strikeouts (60) this season.
Game two and three both start at 1 p.m., and all three games will be broadcast on the Beaver Sports Network.
News and Notes: Oregon State second baseman and designated hitter Jason Ogata has been named to the ESPN The Magazine All-District VIII First-Team, the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) announced Thursday. The junior from Portland hitting .329 with four home runs and 37 RBIs is now eligible for the 2008 Academic All-America team. Oregon State has had five previous Academic All-Americans with Mitch Canham (2007) being the last Beaver to be given the honor.
Great first piece Kacy. Go Beavs!