College World Series: Oregon State ends Mississippi State’s season, advances to championship against Arkansas
By SDS Staff
Published:
The Oregon State Beavers beat Mississippi State 5-2 Saturday night to advance to the College World Series Finals.
The Beavers were led by freshman pitcher Kevin Abel, who went seven innings, allowing just three hits and one earned run. Abel threw three pitches for a strike — fastball, curveball and changeup, and he could throw any of the three at any point in the count. He’ll likely be a first-round pick in two years. The Beavers’ stacked lineup was led by Adley Rutschman and Michael Gretler, as both knocked two hits each. Tyler Malone recorded three RBIs.
Rowdey Jordan recorded two of MSU’s four total hits. Luke Alexander recorded an RBI single in the bottom of the ninth. The Bulldogs were threatening in the bottom of the sixth inning with two runners on and one out. Elijah MacNamee, though, hit into a line drive double play, and it was a major turning point in the game.
GAME. 👏 CHANGER. 👏@BeaverBaseball gets a HUGE double play to end the Mississippi State threat!#CWS pic.twitter.com/Ws60xyiENU
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) June 24, 2018
Although Saturday night wasn’t the finish Mississippi State had hoped for, it was still an incredible season, one that looked almost lost at one point sitting at 15-15. But this team found itself and starting clicking late in the season. It was a remarkable run, and the power of the rally banana is real.
The Beavers and Razorbacks will play the best 2-of-3 for the national championship. The first pitch is scheduled for Monday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
