Oregon State baseball delivered a commanding performance on Sunday night, dominating the USC Trojans 14-1 in an elimination game that forces a decisive Game 7 in the Corvallis Regional. With their season hanging in the balance, the Beavers responded with a barrage of offense and near-flawless pitching, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all showdown for a coveted berth in the NCAA Super Regionals.
From the very first inning, it was clear Oregon State came out with a purpose. Leadoff hitter Travis Bazzana, the heart and soul of the Beavers’ offense, opened the game with a sharp single and set the tone for what would become an offensive onslaught. By the end of the first frame, Oregon State had already plated three runs off USC starter Caden Aoki, who struggled with command and was tagged for six hits in just two innings of work.
“We talked before the game about coming out aggressive,” said Oregon State head coach Mitch Canham. “Our guys responded exactly how we hoped. They stayed within themselves, trusted the game plan, and executed at a really high level.”
The Beavers extended their lead in the third inning with a five-run outburst, highlighted by a towering three-run homer from freshman catcher Brady Kasper. The ball soared over the right-center field fence and brought the crowd at Goss Stadium to its feet. Kasper’s blast was just one of four home runs hit by the Beavers on the night, as the team tied their season-high for runs scored.
USC, meanwhile, struggled to find any rhythm against Oregon State right-hander Jacob Kmatz, who turned in one of his best outings of the season. Kmatz pitched seven strong innings, allowing just four hits and one unearned run while striking out six. He kept the Trojan hitters off balance all night, mixing his fastball and changeup effectively and inducing weak contact throughout the lineup.
“Jacob was outstanding,” Canham said. “He’s a competitor and wanted the ball in this kind of situation. He gave us exactly what we needed and then some.”
The defensive effort from Oregon State was equally impressive. A diving catch by left fielder Gavin Turley in the fourth inning robbed USC of a potential extra-base hit, and the infield turned two timely double plays to end scoring threats. The Beavers played clean baseball from start to finish, avoiding the kinds of mistakes that can prove costly in high-stakes postseason games.
With the win, Oregon State staved off elimination and evened the regional series at 2-2, setting up a decisive Game 7 to be played Monday night. The winner will advance to the Super Regional round, one step away from the College World Series in Omaha.
For USC, the loss was a bitter setback after a strong showing earlier in the regional. The Trojans entered Sunday with momentum after winning their first two games, including a tight 5-4 victory over Oregon State on Saturday. But they were overwhelmed in the rematch, out-hit 18-5 and never seriously threatening after the early innings.
“We didn’t execute tonight, plain and simple,” said USC head coach Andy Stankiewicz. “Oregon State played a great game and earned it. We’ve got to flush this one and be ready to fight tomorrow.”
Game 7 promises to be a dramatic finale between two storied Pac-12 programs. Oregon State, a three-time national champion, will have the home crowd behind them and a deep bullpen ready for action. USC, the program with the most College World Series titles in history, will look to bounce back and rediscover the form that carried them through the early stages of the regional.
For the Beavers, Sunday’s win was about more than just surviving—it was a statement. The team showed why they’ve been one of the most consistent programs in college baseball over the past two decades. With their offense clicking and pitching staff locked in, Oregon State is poised for a fight in Game 7.
“We’re not done yet,” Bazzana said after the game. “We’ve got one more to go, and we’re going to bring everything we’ve got.”
First pitch for Game 7 is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. PT on Monday night at Goss Stadium. A trip to the Super Regionals is on the line, and if Sunday’s performance was any indication, Oregon State is more than ready for the challenge.
