In a season defined by grit, growth, and a clubhouse culture rooted in joy, Oregon State baseball delivered one of their most exhilarating performances yet, defeating Louisville 7–4 in the Men’s College World Series on Friday night. From the first pitch to the final out, the Beavers showcased not only their tactical precision but also the infectious energy that has come to define this squad.
“Never a doubt,” outfielder Mason Guerra said with a grin after the final out, repeating the team’s tongue-in-cheek mantra that has gone from joke to rallying cry. The phrase has become synonymous with a group that refuses to be rattled, even when adversity strikes. Against Louisville, that resolve—and their sense of fun—was on full display.
A Battle From the Start
Louisville came out swinging, scoring two quick runs in the first inning off Oregon State starter Jacob Kmatz. But the Beavers didn’t flinch. Instead of panicking, they laughed, encouraged each other, and got back to work. Kmatz settled in, retiring the next nine batters in a row and finishing with six solid innings, giving up just those two earned runs while striking out seven.
“I just had to find my rhythm,” Kmatz said. “Once I did, I knew my guys had my back.”
That confidence wasn’t misplaced. In the third inning, Oregon State tied the game with back-to-back RBI singles from Travis Bazzana and Gavin Turley. The fifth inning saw the Beavers pull ahead for good, thanks to a two-run triple from freshman phenom Brady Kasper, who sprinted around the bases with uncontainable glee.
“I was just thinking, ‘Have fun, do my thing,’” Kasper said. “That’s what Coach always tells us—go out there, play hard, and enjoy it.”
Culture Shift Pays Dividends
Oregon State’s 2024–25 campaign has been shaped by more than just talent. Under head coach Mitch Canham, the Beavers have leaned into a culture that emphasizes team chemistry and enjoyment. Postgame ping pong tournaments, goofy dance-offs, and dugout karaoke routines have become part of the team’s DNA. It’s not just for laughs—it’s a foundational philosophy.
“We believe that if you’re having fun, you play better,” said Canham. “This game is hard enough already. When you play with joy, you free yourself up to make plays.”
The approach has transformed the Beavers into one of the most cohesive and resilient teams in the country. They’re no strangers to come-from-behind wins or late-inning heroics, and Friday’s victory over Louisville was another testament to their belief in one another.
Even when Louisville mounted a comeback attempt in the eighth inning, cutting the lead to 5–4, Oregon State never lost its poise. Reliever Nelson Keljo struck out two consecutive batters to escape a jam, pumping his fist as the team erupted in cheers.
Bazzana Leads the Way
Travis Bazzana, Oregon State’s All-American second baseman, once again proved why he’s one of the top players in the nation. He went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, constantly creating havoc on the basepaths and setting the tone in the dugout.
“We feed off Baz,” Kasper said. “His energy is insane. Whether he’s hitting doubles or dancing between innings, he brings life to the whole team.”
Bazzana credited the team’s camaraderie for his own consistency. “This team is different,” he said. “Everyone pulls for each other. We don’t care who gets the credit. We just want to win—and enjoy every second.”
Looking Ahead
With the win, Oregon State moves one step closer to a return to the championship round. It’s a familiar position for a program with three national titles (2006, 2007, and 2018), but this year’s team brings a distinctly different flavor.
Unlike some of the powerhouse rosters of the past, the 2025 Beavers are less about brute force and more about collective magic. Their hitting is opportunistic, their pitching deep, and their spirit infectious.
“This is a team that believes,” Canham said. “They believe in the game plan. They believe in each other. And they believe that having fun is part of what makes them great.”
Whether it’s the dugout bubble machine, the ritual gum-chewing before every at-bat, or the endless jokes exchanged in the locker room, Oregon State is proving that joy and winning aren’t mutually exclusive.
In a sport where pressure can crush even the most talented squads, the Beavers are rewriting the script. Their message is simple: smile, compete, and don’t forget to dance.
For now, Oregon State dances into the next round with the swagger of a team that’s having the tim
e of its life—and making believers of us all.
