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Joey Wong, a freshman starter for the Beavers, played his first game at Coleman Field Thursday evening, helping No. 8 Oregon State beat Evansville 9-2 in the first of a three-game series with the Purple Aces.

There's no place like home for Beavers

Reigning champs return home for first time in 2007, open home season with 9-2 thrashing of Evansville

By: Casey Grogan

Posted: 3/9/07

The No. 8 Oregon State baseball team welcomed fans to their home opener with a 9-2 victory over the Evansville Purple Aces.

"I was nervous the whole game," head coach Pat Casey said. "I am just glad the guys got to play at home. We had a great crowd, and I think the ballpark is just beautiful."

OSU junior first baseman Jordan Lennerton introduced himself to the Oregon State faithful in a big way going 3-for-4 with a two RBI home run.

"The good thing about having new guys who haven't solidified their position is they will go out and do whatever you say," Casey said.

After a quick first inning, the Beavers (15-3) began the second with sophomore designated hitter Jason Ogata receiving a walk. With one away Lennerton took the third pitch he saw over the left field fence for a two run homer.

The game would continue as a back and forth duel between OSU starter Mike Stutes and Evansville's Ben Norton. The sixth inning is when the bats came alive for both teams. Down 3-0 in the top of the sixth, Evansville (9-5) worked Stutes for two consecutive singles by second baseman Troy Krider and catcher Kirk Bascu. Krider and Bascu would eventually score on a ground out and single.

"I think the game dictates how you have to play," Casey said. "I'd like to be able to hit the ball out of the ball park and have the power to be a threat. But, I'd also like to defend."

In the bottom of the sixth the Beavers strung together five hits for five runs. Ogata and George both reached base before Lennerton hit a blast to left field. The ball came down off the wall near the foul pole, good only for a long single.

With the bases loaded right fielder John Wallace hit a shot just over the bag at first for a two RBI double. Lennerton would score on a single up the middle by centerfielder Koa Kahalehoe. Wallace and Kahalehoe would eventually score, putting OSU up 8-2.

After giving up a single in the seventh Stutes was replaced by freshman Blake Keitzman who took the Beavers into the ninth with a 9-2 lead before being relieved by senior Greg Keim.

"I think Mike would have been dominant if he would have been able to command his off speed stuff," Casey said. "I think he was excited and a little amped up. Keitzman came in and threw well and I was glad to see Keim come in as well."

On offense the Beavers were led by Lennerton and George. George, who extended his hit streak to four games, was 2-4 with a double and two runs scored. On the hill Stutes finished with five strikeouts and two earned runs.

The Beavers and Purple Aces continue their three game series today at 4 p.m., and Saturday at 1 p.m. The Beavers will look to left-hander Joe Patterson to get the win against Purple Aces leftie Kai Tuomi. Saturdays projected starters look to be OSU right-hander Daniel Turpen against right-hander Fred Jones of Evansville.

Quick Notes:

-Thursday: No. 8 OSU beats Evansville 9-2
-Friday: OSU vs. Evansville, 4 p.m.
-Saturday: OSU vs. Evansville, 1 p.m
-On the Air: KEJO 1240 (Corvallis), KUIK 1360 (Portland)