Spring Break
OSU tops BYU
Sophomore Michael Miller hits first career home run as Beavers defeat Cougars 8-4
Matt Wilhelmsen
Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: Sports
In a matchup that started nearly identical to game one of the series, Oregon State fell behind early before its bats finally got hot, and the team never looked back.
Calling on starting pitcher Tanner Robles for the first time since Feb. 27, the sophomore right-hander proved to be healthy again, striking out the first two batters he faced before a fly ball to right-fielder Koa Kahalehoe retired the Cougars in order.
"It felt good to be out there again," Robles said. "I thought it was exciting. I love pitching and even more trying to help the team win. It's definitely not fun to watch and not being able to do anything about it. The adrenaline to be out there was fun and I liked it."
Robles gave the Beavers a 5-1 lead before leaving after three complete innings, striking out three batters while surrendering no walks and only one earned run on a solo home run from BYU's third basemen, Steve Parker. Although Robles gave Oregon State a lead that would never be touched, the win was awarded to relief pitcher Ryan Gorton, considering baseball rules that claim a starter must pitch into the fifth inning in order to receive a victory.
Behind Gorton, the Beavers put up three more runs in the bottom half of third inning, increasing their lead to seven runs and eventually ending the game 8-4 for the 10th home win of the season and a still-perfect record.
"10-0 at home is outstanding," head coach Pat Casey said. "These midweek games have been difficult for us over the last couple of years. We got a bunch of guys hurt and we are putting guys in different positions who are responding."
Gorton matched Robles' three innings pitched, yielding his own solo shot to Kent Walton, the Cougars' designated hitter. Leaving the game in the sixth inning, Gorton also matched Robles with three strikeouts and four hits allowed.
On the offensive side of the plate, the Beavers scattered seven runs, three of which came off of Michael Miller's bat when the sophomore right-fielder hit his first career home run off the Beavers' scoreboard in right-center field.
Calling on starting pitcher Tanner Robles for the first time since Feb. 27, the sophomore right-hander proved to be healthy again, striking out the first two batters he faced before a fly ball to right-fielder Koa Kahalehoe retired the Cougars in order.
"It felt good to be out there again," Robles said. "I thought it was exciting. I love pitching and even more trying to help the team win. It's definitely not fun to watch and not being able to do anything about it. The adrenaline to be out there was fun and I liked it."
Robles gave the Beavers a 5-1 lead before leaving after three complete innings, striking out three batters while surrendering no walks and only one earned run on a solo home run from BYU's third basemen, Steve Parker. Although Robles gave Oregon State a lead that would never be touched, the win was awarded to relief pitcher Ryan Gorton, considering baseball rules that claim a starter must pitch into the fifth inning in order to receive a victory.
Behind Gorton, the Beavers put up three more runs in the bottom half of third inning, increasing their lead to seven runs and eventually ending the game 8-4 for the 10th home win of the season and a still-perfect record.
"10-0 at home is outstanding," head coach Pat Casey said. "These midweek games have been difficult for us over the last couple of years. We got a bunch of guys hurt and we are putting guys in different positions who are responding."
Gorton matched Robles' three innings pitched, yielding his own solo shot to Kent Walton, the Cougars' designated hitter. Leaving the game in the sixth inning, Gorton also matched Robles with three strikeouts and four hits allowed.
On the offensive side of the plate, the Beavers scattered seven runs, three of which came off of Michael Miller's bat when the sophomore right-fielder hit his first career home run off the Beavers' scoreboard in right-center field.
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