Home Baseball Baseball: Oregon @ Oregon State

Baseball: Oregon @ Oregon State

283

Something tells me more Beaver fans will be interested in this weekend's games. ;)

Projected match ups:

  • Friday: Wetzler (6-2, 3.30) vs Keudell (10-3, 1.80) 5:35 pm
  • Saturday: Fry (5-3, 2.47) vs. Reed (6-3, 3.06) 1:05 pm
  • Sunday: Child (6-3, 2.80) vs. Gold (8-3, 3.26) 1:05 pm

Saturday's game will be on Root.

The Ducks have won 9 straight, and their pitching has dominated during that stretch. Their team ERA is 2.89 (3.00 in Pac-12 play). That's about 3/4 of a run better than the Beavers. However, the Beavers score about a run more than the Ducks per game. Ducks have a stronger SOS, but since the Ducks resurrected baseball, the Beavers are 6-1 versus them at home. The adage says pitching beats hitting, so Oregon has a small advantage. I don't see either team sweeping, and I expect close games. Because the Beavers still have the better national reputation and the pride that comes with that, I think they'll play their best baseball this weekend and gut out 2 of 3.

283 COMMENTS

  1. FWIW: Jim Wilson is predicting a win by the Ucks tonight followed by wins Sat and Sun by the Beavs. He bases his thoughts on the pitching matchups.

    Stream??

  2. Wow. Oregon catching so many breaks this inning. Another bloop singles down the right field line. Oregon has a chance to get themselves a big lead here.

    • I have never seen that, not only 3-2 count but 2 outs and the bases are loaded. Makes no sense at all. Maybe he missed a sign.

  3. Beavers need to make Wetzler their #3 pitcher heading into the postseason. Fry and Child are superior starting pitchers.

  4. I like how Parker keeps blaming the whole defense for Keudell being given two leads. No, that’s all Ben Wetzler. He can’t throw strikes consistently, when he does those balls are hit hard.

  5. Prior to his last couple of starts we saw Wetzler get stronger as the game wore on; but not lately. He isn’t fooling anyone so far, the leash has to be shortened.

  6. Beavers have to take Keudell the other way, if they try to pull him often and they’ll just keep pounding the ball into the ground.

  7. Great at bats by Dunn and Barnes.

    Barnes comes through with the big two out hit the Beavs have been looking for all season.

    • In my mind Hayes may have had the biggest at-bat of the inning. 2 down with runners on first and second. Worked a walk on a 3-2 count after fouling off a couple pitches. Gave Dunn and Barnes a chance to do what they did.

  8. Odd timing to go to Schultz right here after Wetzler had an easy start to the inning but Schultz has been pitching well and it’s a righty-righty matchup here.

  9. Shultz in for Ben with 2 outs no one on. No disagreement here, Ben was improving but over 100 pitches.
    Really would like to chase Kuedell early in next at bat.

    • He’s been their most consistent reliever and is doing the exact opposite of everyone else in the ‘Pen. He’s getting ahead of hitters and not allowing them to get comfortable. He’s the go-to-guy out of the bullpen these days.

      • Beavs can’t go far with Schultz as the only dependable guy in the pen. We are very likely to see D.Davis out of the pen this weekend, even for short duty he could be a shot in the arm.

        • Of course. Just saying Schultz is the guy they like to go to in big spots. I expect Dylan Davis to pitch this weekend as well. I’d like to see Tony Bryant and Matt Boyd to get time as well. Also, Cole Baylis has been really solid in a couple relief appearances, surprised he hasn’t gotten more time. Please no Brocker though.

  10. Conforto doubles to left off the glove of Jordan Spencer on a jumping attempt, Hayes then walks. Runners on first and second and no outs for Ryan Dunn.

  11. I’d like to see Tony Bryant in the spot. Help him build some confidence and not use Schultz up too much, gonna need him some more this weekend.

  12. The bullpen likes pitching against Oregon. 11 2/3 innings the bullpen has pitched against Oregon and has allowed 4 hits

  13. Nice to force Ucks to use 4 pitchers tonight. So good to get past Kuedell. Now Beavs need to get early runs so as to not need much off of Sheffy (sp) when he is called upon.

    • Sherfy. This sets up a potential series sweep. Beavers have the edge with Fry on the mound and I’m sure Jace will bounce back after a poor outing last week. I expect Fry to be at his best.

  14. Wow, great way to start the series! So pure is my hatred for the Ducks – kind of nice to actually beat them in a game that counts. I hope their bus gets a flat tire on the way to the hotel or Eugene or wherever those a-holes are going.

    • Wasn’t it last season that the Beavs bus had problems which led to a good bonding experience for the team?
      As for the Ucks bus, Uncle Phil probably keeps a spare on call. Who cares.
      GO BEAVS ! Get two more this weekend.

      • Ok, then I hope they all find a hair in their hamburgers. My point is, I just hope they have a crappy night. Because they’re ducks.

          • Not yet – got until the 5th. Drew second season archery last year, but didn’t pick up the tag – It was right in the middle of archery elk season. The first season archery tag has about 35% draw odds so I’m hopeful to pull it this year. Thinking about putting in for the early mule deer tag for the panhandle too – where we killed our bulls last year (about a 6 mile pack in) we saw some toad bucks. High, alpine country. Can’t wait for the fall.

            This is my last year in Idaho…got to make it count!

  15. Horton holds extended (?) team meeting in the outfield right after the last out, he knows the Ucks are in danger of losing their mojo. Their top guy couldn’t keep his noteworthy winning streak going and couldn’t control the Beavs for more than 3 innings or so. After the game Horton hints his guys tried too hard, now that they are down 1 game in the series that isn’t likely to change.

    Question for y’all…….will it take more than 4 runs to win on Saturday? If Fry is on his game as GB90 expects then 4 or even 3 might do the job for the good guys.

    • Gonna call it now, Jace Fry will throw a 4 hit shutout. I think the Beavers will scratch across at least 4. They’re really getting it going. Tonight showed the depth of the lineup. Conforto had a tough night and the Beavers still scored 7 runs. Things are coming together offensively at the right time.

  16. I was sitting behind HP and the only negative thing about tonight’s game was the inconsistancy of the umps strikezone, he was horrible. The Beavs really competed well, several at bats where the hitters fouled off two strike pitches and eventually walked or got a hit. Schultz was tough, didn’t give up a hit in 3 and a third. Dunn made two great plays and Keyes finished them off with good stretches to record the outs. Conforto should never, ever be sent from 3b. I don’t know what his problem was but he was thrown out by a mile. I’m not even going to complain about the 12 LOB. One of the best parts of the night was when the ducks were huddling up in RF after the game they were treated to hightlights of 2006 & 2007 CWS wins on the scoreboard. We beat their best now let’s take care of the rest.

  17. With Conforto grounding into a DP to end the first it becomes important to shut down the Ucks in the second to prevent momentum. Go Fry…burn ’em!

  18. If there is one thing Fry needs to do better it is the walks. He walks way too many guys. Lead-off walk on 4 pitches for Oregon to begin the second

  19. Matthews starting today a pretty big mystery. Casey usually platoons Gordon and Matthews and Matthews hasn’t exactly been killing it at the plate the last few weeks.

  20. Barnes with a lead-off walk. Keyes up now. Beavers need to get on the board this inning. You get to the 6th, 7th, 8th and you got to deal with that Ducks bullpen

  21. Just about to post that the seventh inning has been pretty good for the Beavs as Nick Rulli gets an RBI double for his very first hit as a Beav. Go Beavs

  22. Dylan Davis relieved Fry with 2 outs and a runner on first and gets him out. In the bottom of the 7th Keyes walks, Gorton sacrifices, Rulli pinch hits for Rodriguez and comes through with his first career hit at OSU with an RBI double and the Beavers lead 3-2

  23. Would have liked to see the Beavers stick with Davis. Been pitching well and Boyd has had some struggles and gives up a lead-off double.

  24. Boyd in to pitch, surprising Davis wasn’t kept in the game as an outfielder so as to be available for another hitter later.

  25. Child finishes the inning without giving up a run. Wouldn’t mind seeing Schultz come in for the ninth.

    So glad Shepherd didn’t get a chance to score, he is the guy (I’m pretty sure) who mouthed off about the insignificance of midweek games when the Beavs won at Eugene earlier this season.

  26. Keyes another walk. Sherfy throwing lots of pitches and pick off moves, bodes well for Beavs if a bottom half of the ninth is needed, Runners on 1 and 2 with 2 out.

  27. Conforto a catch in LF and throws out the runner at the plate for the DP which ends the game. Beavs 3-2 victory! Conforto hasn’t done much at the plate this weekend, but WOW, what a ballplaying freshman!

  28. INCREDIBLE. Conforto throws out the tying run at the plate and the Beavers win 3-2, take the series and go for the sweep tomorrow.

      • If Shultz has problems in relief expect to see Casey throw anyone. Includes Brocker, but first (I hope) Bayliss, Davis, Starr?
        Still think Davis should have been kept in this game as an outfielder for future pitching availability, that is a great option that I would expect Casey to use.

        • After Schultz I would say Starr and Davis are the top 2 options. Starr hasn’t thrown this series and Davis has faced 1 batter. They can definitely go a couple innings. Best case scenario is Child goes 5, Schultz goes 2, Boyd/Bryant/Brocker combined to complete 8th and Davis in for the 9th. I would prefer the Beavers just blow them out and it isn’t a close game though.

          • Since you went out on a limb predicting a 4 hit shutout today i’ll play. For Sunday I’m seein’ a 6-2 Beavs win, Conforto and Dunn come through big. Child good for about 4 innings, Ducks total less than 6 hits.

          • To clarify I meant Fry would throw shutout innings after the third lol. But yeah, that would be a great game. Also, a sweep in which Conforto wasn’t hot all weekend speaks well of the depth of the lineup. Team is starting to put it together at the perfect time. Hopefully the Beavers get a sweep tomorrow, they’re catching fire.

  29. why didn’t Nike’s specially designed uniforms give Payne that .00002 second’s edge difference to make it to the plate?!!!! Back to the drawing board!

    • He does have a great swing. He has the classic tall lefty swing. Looks so effortless. He’s been their best hitter over the last 3 weeks. He’s getting on base constantly and hitting for power. This is what I thought he would give before the season.

  30. Just got back from the game… Most incredible finish I have seen. All the drama of a pitching duel into the top of the ninth. Payne, the second baseman hits a leadoff double, is bunted over to third. One out, a dipping line drive is hit to left field, Comforto is measuring the ball, catches it one handed low off the grass, but, he’s stepping forward into it with momentum. He throws a perfect one hopper to the catcher. You know the ball is going to get there first, but is the catcher going to hold onto it, eyes on the umpire. He slams his fist down, out, and you realize in that half second that the game is over on a double play. The beavers are on the field, catcher spikes the ball and some ducks start jawing at the beavers who have flooded into the outfield to congratulate eachother and especially Conforto for that throw. It looks like these kids have just won the world series with the celebration, and I high five the guys around me and we know, we probably won’t see another finish like that again… ever.

    • That is awesome, I miss going to the games so much. Nice to hear that Conforto comes through in a big way not just offensively but defensively. How many times has that kid made huge plays for this team. I am excited about this team and their ability to come together late in the season. Lets hope that this is the start of a bright hot streak. Also, here’s to hoping for the sweep and busting UO’s top 8 seed hopes.

    • Especially on the road, you just walk off the field and start focusing on your next game. Sounds like the Ducks want a P-12 championship badly, that sound not be the goal.

  31. If we pull off the sweep today, is there really no chance we host a regional? We would be 38-18 overall and 18-12 in the PAC 12 (maybe the best conference in the country) and we’d likely move up to around 15 in the polls.

  32. hopeful you do make a good argument. If were to pull off the sweep today- the two calls that cost us game 2 of the WSU series would cost us the Pac-12 title.

    So is Child still today’s starter after working 2 innings yesterday? Don’t know where else they would go- Taylor Starr maybe but he is pretty inconsistent. I sure would like to see to see some more of Dylan Davis and some of that triple digit stuff he has, but he must have some control issues.

  33. If I heard the stadium announcer correctly just now through the feed, he said that Taylor Starr is starting today.

  34. Man, Ryan Gorton looks like an old man. I just saw him on the stream and thought who the hell is that guy. Anyone else think that?

    • I was wondering what was with some of Beavs and their 70’s porn star moustaches? Is that a team bonding thing? The staches make some of the players look older.

  35. Regional sites announced:

    LSU, North Carolina, Virginia, Texas A&M, South Carolina, Miami, Oregon, Florida, Purdue, Rice, UCLA, Stanford, North Carolina State, Florida, Arizona, Baylor.

  36. Dunn just keeps doin’ it, gets lead runner for first out, then Jones fouls out to Tommasini for second out. Runner on first

  37. Damn. After a Gorton single and a Tommasini walk, Joey Matthews nails one that gets caught on the warning track to end the inning. Still 2-0 Beavs after 4.

  38. Thorpe in to pitch for Gold. Surprised Casey has left Starr in this far, Horton not so patient (although to be fair Gold has been whacked much more than Starr).

  39. Healy a one out double, finally the BP gets active for the Beavs. Seems like Casey would be willing to use anyone in this last reg season game. C’mon Davis, Bayliss, even Child. Oh yeah, Schultz for sure.

  40. What do I know. Starr a K to end the inning leaving 2 runners stranded.
    Still think Starr, at around 90 pitches has done all he can today.
    BTW if my tea leaves are correct, the Ucks are out of hits with 6, we’ll see.

    Bottom 6, 2-0 good guys.

    • Man if Starr can pitch that well as the third guy every time, we could’ve used Child and Schulz as our ‘pen all season.

  41. Sherfy in to pitch, gives up an RBI single to Dunn then hits Barnes. Bases full two outs for Keyes.
    3-0 good guys.

  42. UCLA leads by one in the bottom the 6th. Zona tied at the bottom of the ninth with two outs. Runners on the corners.

  43. Sweet! Was out of cell coverage for a bit…Fantastic! What a great weekend. After the way the game ended yesterday I liked our odds today. Would be tough to come back from a loss like that.

  44. Such a great way for Taylor Starr to potentially go out in his final game at Goss Stadium. Came up big. Team needed him to go deep in the game to really make things easier for the bullpen and he did just that. He made big pitches when he needed to. When I saw that he was pitching I had full confidence in him. I knew he would pitch well. Showed why I’ve said he’s a solid pitcher. He’s a solid #4 guy, that’s what the team needs in the postseason.

    The offense was really good today. They were consistently hitting balls and on a line. Oregon was lucky they didn’t lose 10-0. None of their pitchers were fooling the Beavers. Offense really playing well at the right time. I really like where this team is at right now and I think they have the potential for a really deep postseason run. Couldn’t finish the season off any better. Likely headed to the Purdue Regional, time for the Beavers to do work.

  45. what a series. the way starr was inducing double plays i’d be interested to see if he earns any relief duty next weekend. the biggest thing to me is that the bullpen seems to finally be clicking. interesting that tony bryant doesn’t even seem to be in the picture, i think at one point late in the game today davis, boyd, and schultz were all warming up at the same time while bryant never even got up to throw to my knowledge. not saying i have a problem with, but i can’t imagine you see a closer like him get supplanted like this very often.now i’m pumped for next weekend, wish my place had espnu.

    • Bryant was doing some stretching but didn’t make any tosses in the ‘Pen. I saw them all getting ready and once I saw them all getting loose and he wasn’t doing much, I feel he may have thrown his last pitch as a Beaver. It’s understandable though. No Brocker or Bryant and no lead was blown. Interesting.

  46. So, the all-knowing gurus @ ESPN are projecting OSU going to Charlottesville region. I doubt that for a couple reasons. 1 – OSU raised its stock by sweeping the Ducks this weekend and shouldn’t get shipped across country. 2 – They played in Charlottesville back in 07. Of course they went on to win it all that year, so it wasn’t all bad. It would be nice to stay out west, but all of the regional sites are Pac 12 teams. The committee just doesn’t put teams from the same conference in the same region. The closest regionals are either in TX (Houston, Waco, or College Station) or IN (West Lafayette). I’d prefer Purdue for some reason.

    Ducks are very lucky in that despite the sweep, they still appear in a decent spot for getting a national seed. I think playing extra games this year (UO played 59 vs. 56 for OSU) helped UO pad the record. Makes me wish that OSU didn’t lay a couple eggs in conference games this year (USC, Utah, and ASU for example). Just a couple games would’ve made a difference. Go Beavs in the post-season….there hasn’t been much of that for OSU this year.

    • What I hate is Stanford getting to host over OSU. Beavers have the same amount of wins, Beavers won a series against Stanford and were tied in the standings, Beavers series win should have been the tiebreaker for a host. But of course, they only go on RPI and the RPI favors Stanford, unfortunately. I wish they would take more things into account than RPI. It’s extremely flawed. But it is what it is. Beavers blew some games they should have won. They would be hosting if they did. They’ll just have to make their run the hard way, no doubt in my mind they will get it done.

    • With both Zona and UCLA finishing ahead of the ducks, the only way they get a national seed is with Phil’s money.

  47. Wow! Way to finish the regular season, BEAVS!!!!

    Thanks for Casey and the baseball team. Now if that spirit could just possess Mike Riley…

    • Will never happen. Coach Casey took the Beavers to two National Championships because his goal every year is to reach those heights. Mike Riley is always content to reach a toilet bowl and no higher goal is in his sights. This is proven by past comments Riley has made on national television when asked where he wants his team to be at end of season. Not a good motivator for his team.

  48. the selection show is on espnu starting in two minutes or you can watch it here. i love memorial day, this beats the shit out of learning about imaginary numbers.

  49. Oregon State is a #2 seed in the Baton Rouge Regional.

    Beavers get Belmont in the first game. LSU is 1 seed and Louisiana-Monroe is the No. 4 seed.

  50. Beavers get a really tough regional but a regional they can win. LSU and OSU starters have similar, offensive numbers are somewhat close as well. Beavers and LSU definitely the two best teams in that regional. I think LSU and OSU win their first game. That Fry-Gausman pitching matchup is going to be awesome. Hopefully the Beavers can win the regional. Baton Rouge Regional and Coral Gables are matched up. I don’t think Miami will be hosting a SR. I think UCF will win the regional. Miami is a bit overrated. So, if the Beavers take care of business in Baton Rouge, I think they have a great shot of hosting a SR. Time for them to get it done.

    • If the powers that be have a conscience then the Beavs “have a great shot of hosting a SR”. But all the Beavs can do is play their best, keep the mo going, and not concern themselves with decisions which are made by others.

      The disrespected underdog role may just be that little factor which keeps the Beavs productively focused. Great time to be a BEAV!

  51. I know some of us are thinking it already so I’ll just say it now, this time let’s make sure we don’t miss the three extra runs. Oh wait, different sport.

    • And UCLA #2? I usually, at least partially, buy into a good conspiracy theory involving Phil but this system leads to so many questions. I think it is a combo of too many cooks spoiling the soup and the timing of decisions. East coast bias and self interest (Horton) plays a part as well. IMHO

      • Agree, that’s what I meant when saying “timing of decisions” above.

        Still not sure UCLA rates #2 but ending up atop the PAC12 with Zona is not to be sneezed at.

  52. Does Coach Casey tinker with his starting pitcher rotation for the the regional? Theory is that you take your #2 or 3 starter and have them go on Friday against a lower seed. Then come back with ace in the next game. Child should be well rested having only pitched 2 innings and not starting.

    What’s the scoop on Belmont? Can’t take any team lightly this time of year. Strangely, I know little about LSU’s team but I feel good to avoid the state of Florida.

    • LSU is a national title contender, they have the nation’s best hitter average wise with Raph Rhymes. He’s hitting an unreal .459. They have similar power numbers to the Beavers. They have a great ace in Kevin Gausman. He’s projected to be a top 5 pick in the draft this year. I expect Fry to go Saturday. If LSU and OSU both win on Friday, that Saturday night matchup between Fry and Gausman would be awesome.

      Belmont is basically just like Oregon. They have some really good hitters but aren’t a great overall hitting team as they’re hitting .266. They score about 5.5 runs/game compared to the Beavers averaging about 6.3 runs/game. They have outstanding pitching. Their ace is Chase Brookshire, he has an ERA of 2.45 and has 3 shutouts but he has been susceptible to the home run ball at times in allowing 7, most by a Beavers starter is 3. Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge has nearly identical dimensions as Goss but the ball will more likely fly out of there with the humidity there. With Brookshire being hurt by the HR ball at times and facing guys like Dunn, Conforto, Hayes having some pop, the Beavers may be able to take him deep.

      Belmont’s bullpen is really tough, Beavers will need to get to Brookshire early on, their setup men have been dominant, one has an ERA of 0.94, another with a 2.42 ERA.

      Almost certainly the Beavers’ rotation will be Wetzler-Fry-Child and Starr if a 4th starter is needed. If they lose one of their first 2 games but make it to Monday, Dylan Davis would be the 5th starter.

      Hopefully it only takes 3 starters and they advance.

      • That game won’t mean much in the regional. Belmont’s ace didn’t start that night, Belmont also wasn’t playing well at the time. I think the Beavers will win but it won’t be an easy game by any means. Beavers will need to play well.

  53. GoBeavs analysis of Belmont is almost spot on.

    I actually am currently employed by Belmont University’s Athletic Department. Prior to that I spent a year with Oregon State doing an internship.

    Pitching and defense are the obviously the main strengths. Brookshire has been great for us this season, but is more of a crafty lefty and his velocity usually sits in the mid to upper 80’s. The bullpen has been phenomenal this year. What’s even more noteworthy is that those last two ERA’s you mention belong to Freshmen.

    The offense has been inconsistent at times, but caught fire during our last weekend series and stayed hot during the conference tournament.

    The team has a lot of confidence going into Baton Rouge, but we’ll see what happens. Belmont is capable of defeating big conference opponents (I believe they had a .500 record against the SEC this year). However, if the Beavs show up to play I think they will take the win.

  54. With some sense of balance recently returned to the Force, it’d be nice to see it continue with OSU taking out LSU, and see Horton’s former team down the ducks.

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