Oregon State’s baseball team secured a decisive 11-5 victory over the University of San Diego on Saturday, fueled by a career-defining performance from second-baseman AJ Singer. The Beavers’ offensive firepower and a strong showing from pitcher Ethan Kleinschmit paved the way for the win in Southern California.
Singer was a dominant force at the plate, tallying an impressive eight RBIs throughout the game. In four official at-bats, he launched two home runs and earned two walks. While this marked a personal best for RBIs in a single game, Singer narrowly missed tying the Oregon State program record, falling just one RBI short.
On the pitching front, Ethan Kleinschmit delivered a stellar performance as the starting pitcher for the Beavers. He recorded nine strikeouts en route to securing the win, improving his season record to 2-2.
Early Offensive Barrage
Oregon State wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the top of the first inning, with the bases loaded, Bryce Hubbard delivered a clutch single that brought home two runs, giving the Beavers an early lead. Following Kleinschmit’s impressive feat of striking out all three University of San Diego batters in the bottom of the first, the Oregon State offense continued its momentum into the second inning.
The Beavers extended their lead when Adam Haight scored on a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded. In the very next at-bat, AJ Singer stepped up to the plate and blasted a grand slam over the left-field wall, significantly increasing Oregon State’s advantage.
Sustained Pressure and Key Moments
The Beavers added another run in the top of the third inning when Singer drew a bases-loaded walk. San Diego managed to respond in the bottom half of the inning, with right fielder Andrew Gauna driving in a run with a single.
The offensive rhythm between the two teams remained relatively subdued until the top of the seventh inning. It was then that Singer struck again, launching his second home run of the game. This three-run shot further solidified Oregon State’s lead.
The University of San Diego experienced its most productive offensive stretch in the bottom of the seventh inning. They managed to plate four runs, capitalizing on four hits, a hit-by-pitch, and a fielding error by the Oregon State defense. This surge brought the score to 11-5, narrowing the gap.
Closing Out the Game
AJ Hutcheson was instrumental in escaping the jam for the Beavers in the seventh inning. The Toreros were then retired in order in the eighth.
In the bottom of the ninth, San Diego faced closer Jack Giordano. With two outs and the bases loaded, Giordano found himself in a high-pressure situation, with the Toreros making a last-ditch effort to stay in the game. However, Giordano remained composed and induced a pop-up from USD’s CJ Moran, which the defense secured to preserve the victory for Oregon State.
Series Clinched and Future Outlook
This win marked the 13th for Oregon State on the season, bringing their overall record to 13-4. Crucially, it also clinched the weekend series against the Toreros. The Beavers will aim to complete the sweep on Sunday afternoon. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the radio via the Beaver Sports Network.
