2012 Record: 40-20
2012 Finish: The Beavers finished the regular season going 8-2 in their last 10 games, earning a regional trip to the daunting Box of LSU. Oregon State’s season ended at the hands of two losses to host LSU with the final blow coming in a one-run loss to the Tigers.
Just like their in-state rival Oregon, the Beavers are stacked offensively. Returning a plethora of starters from last season’s squad including second-team Preseason All-American Michael Conforto, who led the Beavers with a team-high .349 batting average, 76 hits, 13 home runs and 76 RBIs.
If that is not enough, seniors Tyler Smith and Danny Hayes are back ready to lead a talented squad to a late postseason run. Smith finished 2012 with a .343 batting average and 73 hits; Hayes also recorded a batting average better than .300, hitting .307.
The pitching depth for this 2013 team is just as stacked and might be considered one of the best in the conference if not the country. Returning are all three starters in Jace Fry, Dan Child and Ben Wetzler, who combined for 19 wins in 2012 and a combined ERA of 2.83.
The bullpen will be led by Scott Schultz, Tony Bryant and Matt Boyd, who combined for a 13-3 record and 14 saves.
Key Series: Late in the season, the Beavers will have to make a trip to Eugene to take on the Ducks. Right now this series looks like it could be for the Pac-12 crown. Both teams are poised to have monster years, and this series could determine conference title implications as well as on the national stage.
About the Author
Craig Amick
Tyler Knowles
Jono Greco
Blake Colston
Nick Gryniewicz
Kirsten Karbach