EUGENE, Ore. – Cadyn Grenier’s fourth-inning single accounted for the game’s lone run as top-ranked Oregon State defeated Oregon, 1-0, Saturday night at PK Park, sending the Beavers to a three-game sweep.
Grenier fouled off a pair of pitches from Oregon starter Matt Mercer on 2-2, then drove the seventh pitch of the at bat to center field. Christian Donahue, who had walked to open the inning, stole second with two down, and then scored when he beat the throw from Ducks’ center fielder Jake Bennett.
By earning the sweep, Oregon State became the first visiting team in the Civil War, presented by PacificSource Health Plans, Spirit Mountain Casino, Safeway/Albertsons and Your Local Toyota Dealers, to sweep a three-game series since Oregon reinstated its program in 2009.
Jake Thompson and Brandon Eisert combined to hold Oregon to three hits and three walks. Thompson started, going 6 2/3 innings, striking out five, and in the process, earned his 11th win of the season, which is now tied with Loyola Marymount’s Cory Abbott for the nation’s lead.
Eisert followed Thompson with 2 1/3 scoreless innings of his own for his fourth save of the season. The freshman faced one batter over the minimum.
Mercer was charged with the loss, dropping to 5-6. He allowed eight hits and four walks with five strikeouts in six innings.
No Stolen Base Zone
Oregon Kyle’s Kasser stole second in the fourth inning, the first against Oregon State since April 21 at UCLA.
Lengthy Games
The game Saturday lasted 3:21, marking the 15th time in the last 16 matchups between the teams to go three hours or longer. The lone exception over that stretch, which dates back to 2014, was the first meeting between the teams this season. That game lasted2:32 on May 2 in Corvallis.
Thompson And His 11th Win
Jake Thompson became the 17th 11-game winner in Oregon State history, and the first since Ben Wetzler went 12-1 and Jace Fry was 11-1 in 2014. The right-hander’s earned run average dropped to 1.11 from 1.20 with his 6 2/3 scoreless innings. Opponents are batting .174 against him this season.
And Shutout Makes 10
The shutout Saturday marked put the Beavers at 10 on the year, the nation’s first team to reach double figures. OSU has now had 10 or more in three of the last five years – 12 in 2013 and 15 in 2014.
Oh, And That ERA
The shutout dropped Oregon State’s team earned run average to 1.94 on the year – it was at 1.99 to start the game. Opponents are batting .198 against the staff this season.
Series Vs. UO
Oregon State’s pitching staff held Oregon to five runs and 19 hits in 27 innings.
Next Up
Oregon State travels north to take on Portland in Keizer, Ore., at Volcanoes Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 5:35 p.m. PT
Tickets Tuesday
Tickets for Tuesday’s game can be purchased by visiting VolcanoesTickets.com.
