SURPRISE, Ariz. – Jake Thompson struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings and Trevor Larnach hit his first career home run to help send the seventh-ranked Oregon State baseball team to a 4-1 win over Indiana Monday at Surprise Stadium.
Oregon State improved to 4-0 on the young season and has outscored opponents by a 22-6 margin. That included a 1-0 victory over Indiana (2-2 overall) on Friday to open the season.
Thompson, making his first start of the season but second appearance, scattered three hits and a run – a solo home run by Craig Dedelow in the fourth. At one point, he struck out five straight – three to end the first and two more in the second. He also struck out the side in the third inning.
Thompson improved to 2-0 on the year.
Larnach ended the day 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI. In addition to his fourth-inning home run, he singled in the first and walked in the eighth, eventually scoring on a Michael Gretler single.
Christian Donahue drove in a run on a first-inning triple, then scored when Adley Rutschman grounded out.
Oregon State added an insurance run in the eighth. Larnach reached on a walk, then moved to third when Elliott Cary struck out but reached on a wild pitch. The next batter, Gretler, laced a two-out single to center for the game’s final run.
Brian Hobbie started for Indiana and was charged with the loss after allowing six hits and three runs in five innings. He dropped to 0-1 on the year.
Max Engelbrekt worked the final 1 2/3 innings for the Beavers, striking out one, for his second save of the season.
Mulholland Through Two
Freshman left-hander Jake Mulholland has looked impressive over his first two outings. The Snohomish, Wash., native allowed two hits while striking out one over two innings on Monday. He’s worked 4 1/3 scoreless innings this season, striking out four while allowing three hits.
Staff So Far
The Oregon State pitching staff concluded an impressive weekend with the win over Indiana. Eleven different pitchers have made at least one appearance, and the staff has combined to allow teams to score just six runs – three earned – with 23 hits and 11 walks. They’ve combined to strike out 37 and hold opponents to a .177 batting average.
Four Games, Four Saves
Oregon State relievers Max Engelbrekt, Mitchell Verburg and Grant Gambrell have combined for four saves this season. The trio has combined for 5 2/3 innings, allowing three hits, an unearned run and two walks while striking out four.
More Triples
The Beavers led the nation with 32 triples a year ago. They’re already on fast pace this season after posting two Monday – one apiece by Cadyn Grenier and Christian Donahue. Grenier has two on the year after tripling in Sunday’s win over Duke.
First Start
George Mendazona made his first career start in the win over Indiana. Seeing action at second base, he was 0-for-2 with one putout.
Up Next
Oregon State returns to action Thursday when taking on Nebraska to open the Big Ten-Pac-12 Challenge at Surprise Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. PT – 1 p.m. in Arizona.
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