The Oregon State Beavers used two early home runs and solid pitching to overcome two crucial errors in game two of the Corvallis Super Regional against Auburn, stealing a 4-3 win over the Tigers to set up a winner-take-all game three on Monday evening with a slot in the College World Series on the line.
Auburn’s Joseph Gonzalez matched Golden Spikes Award finalist Cooper Hjerpe step-for-step through the first three innings, but it would be the Beavers that broke the mold first by hitting two solo home runs to grab the 2-0 lead in the 4th inning. Oregon State’s lead would live for a short time, as Auburn tied the game in the bottom of the inning on a wild pitch, and an RBI double by Brody Moore.
The Beavers scored two runs over the 5th and 6th innings, and Auburn responded by scoring yet again on a wild pitch. Both bullpens did their part by not allowing a run over the final four frames, solidifying Oregon State’s victory.
Auburn hopes to see more production from the bats in game three on Monday night, to compliment the exceptional series put together by the Tiger bullpen. It will be important to attack Oregon State’s pitching early in order to get the win and advance to the College World Series.