SURPRISE, Ariz. – The seventh-ranked Oregon State baseball team opened its 2017 season with a pair of victories, defeating Indiana, 1-0, before downing Duke 6-3 in the second game of the doubleheader at Surprise Stadium.
Luke Heimlich struck out 11 in game one, and Nick Madrigal homered and went 3-for-4 in game two to pace the Beavers. Heimlich’s 11 strikeouts surpassed his previous career best of eight against UCLA lasts season, while Madrigal’s round-tripper was the second of his career. His first came against the Bruins in the final series of the 2016 season.
In the 1-0 win over Indiana, Christian Donahue stroked a double to the gap in right center in the sixth inning. The run was all Heimlich, Jake Thompson, Jake Mulholland and Max Engelbrekt needed. Thompson faced one batter in relief of Heimlich in the sixth, and earned the win. Engelbrekt tossed 2/3 of a scoreless inning, striking out both batters he faced, for the save.
In game two, Madrigal’s home run capped a five-run second inning. Andy Atwood also had an RBI in the frame, which sent the Beavers to a 5-0 lead.
Bryce Fehmel was the recipient of the run support. The right-hander held Duke to eight hits and three runs – two earned – in six innings. He struck out three and walked one to pick up the win. Mitchell Verburg, the final of five pitchers against the Blue Devils, earned the save by getting the game’s final out.
Shades Of Matt Boyd
Oregon State improved to 4-0 all-time against Indiana, and did so in familiar fashion. The 1-0 win was the second over the Hoosiers since 2013 – the first came in Matt Boyd’s dominating performance at the 2013 College World Series. All-time, the Beavers have out-scored Indiana, 17-6.
Heimlich With The Opening Day Nod
The left-hander certainly made an impression on opening day, striking out a career-best 11 in 5 2/3 innings. That surpassed his previous best of eight against UCLA to end the 2016 season. He will take a 14 2/3 inning scoreless streak into his next start.
Mulholland Debuts
Jake Muholland made an impressive collegiate debut in the win over Indiana. The left-handed pitcher faced eight batters, striking out three. He allowed one hit before giving way to reliever Max Engelbrekt in the ninth inning.
Freshmen
Mulholland wasn’t the only Oregon State freshman to make a debut. Adley Rutschman started at catcher in game one, then was at the DH spot in game two. Andy Armstrong came on as a defensive replacement against Indiana, heading to second base when Cadyn Grenier moved to third.
In game two, Verburg earned the save, following Brandon Eisert, who struck out three in 1 1/3 innings.
Madrigal And Opening Day
The first day of the season has been special for Nick Madrigal in his OSU career. The sophomore went 3-for-4 with three RBI in the win over Duke. Against Ball State on opening day of 2016, he made his collegiate debut by collecting four hits.
Close Look At The Staff
The Oregon State pitching staff combined for 18 innings of work in the douhbleheader. Indiana and Duke managed for 13 hits, three runs and five walks while striking out 23 times. Of the 13 hits, only three went for extra bases.
Another Opening Win
Oregon State won its eighth consecutive opening-day game. The Beavers are now 17-6 in openers under head coach Pat Casey.
Up Next
Oregon State plays at Surprise Stadium when taking on Duke Sunday morning. First pitch is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. PT (9:30 a.m. in Arizona).
