The Barometer Online

Issue date: 5/15/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Cory Reed Oregon State undergrad assistant coach Drew George high-fives freshman infielder Carter Bell after his first home run of his Oregon State career on Tuesday against Gonzaga. Bells's three-run homer ignited a six run inning for Oregon State.

After rain washed away a mid-week game with Gonzaga, Oregon State heads back to the baseball diamond to meet the Washington State Cougars.

Beginning tonight, the Beavers (30-14, 12-9 Pac-10) will take to Goss Stadium at Coleman Field looking to secure a spot in the postseason. Sitting four games back of first place, Oregon State is currently tied for fourth in the conference with Washington.

On the hill in game one will be sophomore left-hander Tanner Robles. The sophomore from Murray, Utah, was the lone Beavers pitcher to earn a victory last weekend against Washington. Robles has a 3.42 ERA and 19 strikeouts in only six appearances. All six appearances came in the form of starts.

Offensively, junior catcher Ryan Ortiz leads the Oregon State attack with a .367 average. Sophomore third baseman Stefen Romero, leads the Beavers in two major offensive categories with four home runs and 43 RBI. Three other Oregon State players sport averages above .300, as sophomore utility player Adalberto Santos is batting .318 with a team-high eight stolen bases.

At first base, sophomore Jared Norris is hitting .316 and is second on the squad behind Romero with three home runs. Sophomore outfielder Michael Miller is batting .308 with five stolen bases, securing a near-regular starting position.

On the back end of the pitching staff, sophomore closer Kevin Rhoderick has secured seven saves and boasts a 3.00 ERA with 25 strike outs.

In the first-base dugout this weekend will be the Washington State Cougars (26-21, 14-7), who are second in the Pac-10. In conference play, the Cougars are fresh off a sweep of the last place Oregon Ducks. After scoring 10 runs total between games one and two, WSU posted 10 in the third game of the series.

After a three game tilt with the Ducks, Wazzu hosted Portland for a two game series, losing the most recent game Wednesday to the Pilots by a score of 6-3. WSU will enter Corvallis confident after taking two of the last three series' at Goss Stadium.

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