CORVALLIS, Ore. — Vanderbilt could not overcome a fast start from No. 1 Oregon State on Friday night in an 8-4 loss in the first game of a best-of-three Super Regional series.
The top-ranked Beavers (53-4) jumped on Commodores’ (36-24-1) starter Patrick Raby for three runs in the first inning. Raby walked consecutive batters in front of KJ Harrison before the Beavers’ first baseman launched a three-run homer out to left field. Raby hit the next batter but his teammates picked him up by turning an inning-ending double play to end the inning.
The Dores battled back quickly in the second inning to pull even with a three-run inning of their own. Ethan Paul’s double went over the head of the Oregon State left fielder and put two runners in scoring position with one out. Jason Delay delivered the first runs of the game with one swing, roping a single into left field for two RBIs. Will Toffey knotted the game with a single to score Delay.
Oregon State answered in the bottom of the second inning with a two-out rally to take control of the game. A two-out single from leadoff hitter Steven Kwan extended the inning to Nick Madrigal, who ripped a double into left field to put the Beavers back on top to stay.
Raby took the loss giving up six runs on eight hits over six innings. The sophomore battled much of the night settling down in the middle innings to keep the Commodores in the game. Delay led the Dores offensively with three hits, driving in two runs. Toffey continued his torrid pace with two hits, including his 12th home run of the season in the seventh. The junior is now 26-for-52 (.500) over his last 12 games with seven homers, 24 RBIs and 18 runs scored.
Oregon State starter Jake Thompson earned the win, allowing four runs on seven hits over 7.2 innings. The right-hander struck out seven and improved to 14-0 on the season. Harrison led the Beavers with two hits and three RBIs.
Vanderbilt now faces a must-win tomorrow night at 8 p.m. CT on ESPN.
