No. 7 Oregon State Powers Through Xavier in Surprise Stadium Showdown

SURPRISE, Ariz. – The No. 7 Oregon State Beavers will face the Xavier Musketeers in a crucial college baseball matchup today, Feb. 17, at Surprise Stadium. Originally slated for a 1 p.m. PT start, the game has been delayed by an hour due to an extended morning contest between UNLV and Indiana, which went 10 innings.

This showdown marks the final game in a four-game round-robin tournament for the Beavers, who have dominated their previous three opponents, outscoring them 30-3. Oregon State’s only challenge came in Friday’s season opener against Xavier, where they managed an 8-3 comeback victory.

The Beavers’ pitching staff has been nothing short of impressive, extending their scoreless innings to 18 and striking out 18 batters over the past 15 frames. The weekend rotation, featuring Nelson Keljo, Dax Whitney, and Ethan Kleinschmit, has limited opponents to just four hits and zero runs.

“We have established a solid pitching rhythm, and it’s vital as we continue our tournament play,” said OSU Head Coach Mitch Canham. “The guys are excited and ready to take on Xavier again.”

Game details are as follows: No. 7 Oregon State (3-0) is set to face Xavier (2-1). The game will commence at 2 p.m. PT, with an internet stream available via FloSports. Radio broadcasts are accessible on the Beaver Sports Network, with pregame coverage starting 30 minutes before first pitch.

Oregon State’s starting lineup showcases players who have already made significant impacts this season. Transfer shortstop Aiva Arquette leads the team with a .500 batting average, demonstrating his prowess with a two-run homer against Xavier and a three-hit performance against Indiana.

Gavin Turley is another standout, having driven in seven runs and accumulated a .444 batting average in the early season. Both he and Arquette share the team lead with five hits.

Defensively, the Beavers have exhibited solid performance, having recorded back-to-back shutouts—an achievement not seen since 2021. They have allowed only 10 hits and three runs in 25 innings, marking the fewest runs conceded in the season’s opening stretch since 1978.

“This lineup is deep, and we’ve got multiple threats at the plate,” commented Canham. “It’s all about staying focused and executing our game plan.”

Probable starters include Oregon State’s right-handed pitcher Kellan Oakes against Xavier’s Nick Boyle, who has yet to allow a run this season. As the Beavers aim for their fourth consecutive victory, Coach Canham emphasizes the importance of channeling their early-season momentum into this matchup.

This game is part of a challenging series for both teams, with Xavier looking to establish a foothold in their early season, having previously faced tough competition in the classic.

“We know what’s at stake, and we are ready to battle,” said Xavier’s coach. “Oregon State is a top-tier team, and we have to bring our best.”

The Beavers will seek to extend their strong start against Xavier this afternoon, aiming for consistency and excellence as they progress through their challenging schedule.