Oregon State Baseball Stars Shine with All-American Honors

CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Oregon State baseball team has made headlines this week after three players received All-American honors, highlighting their successful season. The recognitions come just ahead of the College World Series, as the Beavers prepare to face Louisville on June 13.

Dax Whitney was named a Second Team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and a First Team Freshman All-American by Perfect Game. Gavin Turley has also earned Second Team All-American honors from the NCBWA. Furthermore, infielder Justin Arquette was recognized as a Second Team All-American by both organizations.

Arquette and Turley have played crucial roles in the Beavers’ powerful lineup this season. Arquette, a junior shortstop who transferred from the University of Washington, leads the team with a .354 batting average, 17 doubles, and is second in home runs with 18 and RBIs at 65. He’s also channeling his defensive skills with a .982 fielding percentage, making him a finalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, which honors the best college shortstop.

Turley, the junior left fielder, has shined alongside Arquette, leading the Beavers with 19 home runs and 66 RBIs while hitting .346. Earlier this season, Turley became the program’s all-time leader in career RBIs, further solidifying his status as a top prospect for the upcoming MLB draft.

As for Whitney, the 6-foot-5 right-hander from Blackfoot, Idaho, has enjoyed an impressive freshman season as the team’s Saturday night starter. He boasts a 6-3 record with a 3.66 ERA and has struck out 111 batters over 71 1/3 innings. Whitney is the first Oregon State freshman to be named an All-American since Gavin Turley last year.

Reflecting on the season, Whitney shared, “It’s exactly what I came here for. It’s pretty awesome.” He has been instrumental in getting the Beavers to the College World Series, winning three of his last four starts.

The Beavers have now established themselves as a formidable team as they prepare for the national tournament. Oregon State’s players are excited, with Turley proclaiming, “To really have it happening — to be able to go to the opening ceremonies and play in front of that many people — is a dream come true.”