The Oregon State Baseball team is ROLLING this season as they have a record of 14-1. As the Beavers enter conference play this Thursday against Arizona State, BeaversEdge.com looks at 10 things you need to know about the Beavs.
1. Pat Casey obtained his 800th win on Thursday
The all-time winningest baseball coach in Oregon State history reached a milestone win gaining his 800th career victory. Casey is the 8th coach in Pac-12 history to reach at least 800 wins. If the Beavers continue their winning ways this season, Casey could surpass Frank Sancet’s mark of 831 wins while at Arizona.
2. The Beavers have the best ERA in the nation
Over the weekend, Oregon State allowed just five runs to Ball State. Currently, the Beavers are holding onto an impressive 1.14 ERA. Through 15 games, the Beavers not only look like a top five team in the country, but are proving they have tremendous depth when it comes to the pitching staff as well.
3. Luke Heimlich is having a phenomenal start to the season
Already holding a 3-0 record, Heimlich has an ERA of just 0.31 through 28.2 innings pitched. With 102 at-bat appearances, Heimlich leads all Pac-12 pitchers in that category and is the only pitcher to average under a 1.0 ERA with that many attempts. His 36 strikeouts place him top 10 in the conference and opponents are managing to hit just .157 when he is on the mound. Right now, Heimlich is making a strong case to be considered as the best pitcher in the Pac-12.
4. Oregon State continues to hit triples
Last season, the Beavers drilled 32 triples in total and are on track to hit around the same this year. Currently with eight triples on the season, Oregon State is currently tied with Arizona for first place in the conference. Cadyn Grenier is tied for first in the nation, posting four Beaver triples. Hitting triples continues to propel the Beavers to strong slugging early this season.
5. Beavers are on a nine-game winning streak
Following a series sweep of Ball State this weekend, Oregon State has won nine straight, dating back to February 25th. The Beavers have now moved into first place in the Pac-12 standings, jolting ahead of the 2nd place Wildcats. The winning streak is the highest in the conference and another reason why the Beavers maintain their dominance among the standings. As of March 6, Oregon State was ranked as the No. 4 team in the country according to D1baseball.com
6. Nick Madrigal is outpacing his record setting 2016 season
Last season, Madrigal finished third for the Beavers in batting average with a .333 in 195 at-bats, and lead the team with 65 hits. So far this season Madrigal is the only Beaver hitting .400 or better and already leads the team with 16 runs, 23 hits and 11 RBI’s in only 56 at-bat appearances.
7. The Beavers are a young team
Out of a possible 35 roster spots, 26 Beavers are currently in their redshirt sophomore season or younger. The inexperience of the roster was one area that was in question when Oregon State began their season. Despite not having an abundance of senior leadership, the Beavers have continued their winning ways behind strong performances from their youth.
8. Strong hitting is complementing a slugging outburst
Despite a sluggish start to the season when it came to producing offense, the Beavers have bounced back following each offensive lull. This weekend as an example, Oregon State struggled Thursday night, scoring just two runs in a 2-0 victory. On Friday, the Beavers routed Ball State, outscoring the Cardinals 10-1. Following each game that coach Casey has expressed frustrations with the offense this season, the team seems capable of capitalizing the next game in a big way.
9. Oregon State has swept three of a possible four series so far
With a sweep against Ball State over the weekend, the Beavers have taken care of business when it comes to obtaining a sweep so far. Oregon State has completed a series sweep against UC Davis and Ball State through four games, as well as defeating both Duke and Indiana twice in the Sanderson Ford Classic at the beginning of the season. The Beavers almost completed a sweep in the Big-10 Challenge, but were unable to get the first victory against Ohio State on February 24th; their only loss on the year so far.
10. The Beavers are in prime position heading into conference play
Having dominated through the first 15 games, Oregon State has set themselves up nicely before entering conference play next weekend. With an overall record of 14-1, the Beavers have earned quality wins in their non-conference schedule up to this point. By winning early in the season, the Beavers have created themselves a cushion if a future dip in play were to occur. It was important for the Beavers to excel through their non-conference schedule to look forward rather than trying to play catch up.
Related
Saturday Spring Football Report: Big plays highlight scrimmage
VID: Slaughter reviews scrimmage #2
Rivals250 ATH Talanoa Hufanga checks in at Oregon State
WBB: Oregon State getting R&R before NCAA Tournament
Thursday Practice Report: OSU Emphasizes Pass Offense
THE EDGE PODCAST: Craig Evans, WBB, Spring Football Talk
MBB: Bird leads Cal past Oregon State in Pac-12 Tournament
Tupuola-Fetui is excited about Oregon State
MBB: Thompson can't arrive soon enough for Oregon State
WBB: Oregon State starts fast but falls in the Pac-12 Championship Game
