In a thrilling, high-scoring affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Oregon State Beavers outlasted the Florida State Seminoles 14-10 in a Super Regional showdown, punching their ticket to the College World Series (CWS) in Omaha. The game, filled with explosive offense, clutch pitching, and a momentum-shifting grand slam by Travis Bazzana’s replacement, sophomore outfielder Gavin Caraway, was a testament to the resilience and firepower of this Oregon State squad.
A Back-and-Forth Battle in Corvallis
From the first pitch, it was clear that neither team was going to go down without a fight. Florida State, known for its aggressive hitting, jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning. Seminoles’ leadoff hitter Jaime Ferrer launched a solo home run off Oregon State starter Jacob Kmatz, setting the tone for what would be a wild offensive display. The Beavers responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning, with Bazzana—the team’s star second baseman—driving in a run with a sharp single to right field.
The second inning saw Florida State extend its lead with a two-run double from Daniel Cantu, making it 3-1. But Oregon State, playing in front of a raucous home crowd at Goss Stadium, refused to let the game slip away. In the bottom of the third, the Beavers loaded the bases with one out, setting the stage for Caraway’s heroics.
Caraway’s Moment of Glory
Gavin Caraway, a sophomore who had seen limited playing time this season, was thrust into the spotlight after Bazzana was intentionally walked to load the bases. With the Beavers trailing 4-2, Caraway stepped up to the plate against Florida State’s ace reliever, Connor Whitaker. On a 2-1 count, Caraway turned on a fastball and sent a towering shot over the right-field wall for a grand slam, sending the Oregon State faithful into a frenzy.
The blast gave the Beavers a 6-4 lead and completely shifted the momentum of the game. For Caraway, who had only 12 at-bats all season before this game, it was the defining moment of his young career.
“I was just trying to stay calm and see the ball,” Caraway said after the game. “I knew they weren’t going to give Bazzana anything to hit, so I had to be ready. When I saw that fastball, I just reacted. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget.”
Florida State Fights Back
To their credit, the Seminoles didn’t fold after Caraway’s grand slam. In the top of the fifth, they rallied for three runs, highlighted by a two-run homer from James Tibbs III, reclaiming the lead at 7-6. The back-and-forth nature of the game continued in the bottom of the inning when Oregon State’s Mason Guerra tied it up with an RBI double.
The sixth inning proved to be the turning point. After Florida State scratched across another run to take an 8-7 lead, the Beavers exploded in the bottom of the frame. A combination of timely hitting, a costly Seminoles error, and a two-run single from Dallas Macias put Oregon State ahead 11-8. From there, the Beavers never looked back.
Oregon State’s Bullpen Holds Strong
While the offense stole the headlines, Oregon State’s bullpen played a crucial role in securing the win. After Kmatz struggled early, head coach Mitch Canham turned to reliever AJ Lattery, who delivered 2.1 innings of solid work, keeping the Seminoles within striking distance. The real standout, however, was closer Bridger Holmes, who entered the game in the seventh inning with the bases loaded and one out.
Holmes, known for his electric fastball, struck out Ferrer and got Cantu to ground out, escaping the jam without allowing a run. He then pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth, sealing the victory and sending the Beavers to Omaha.
“It’s all about trust,” Holmes said. “I trust my stuff, and I trust my defense. When the game is on the line, you just have to compete.”
A Historic Win for the Beavers
With the victory, Oregon State advances to the College World Series for the eighth time in program history and the first time since 2018. The Beavers, who have won two national championships (2006, 2018), will look to add a third title to their storied history.
For Florida State, the loss marks the end of a remarkable season under first-year head coach Link Jarrett. The Seminoles, who entered the tournament as a No. 8 national seed, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short in their quest to return to Omaha for the first time since 2019.
Key Takeaways from the Game
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Gavin Caraway’s Emergence – The sophomore’s grand slam was the defining moment of the game and a reminder of Oregon State’s depth. With Bazzana likely to draw intentional walks in key spots moving forward, Caraway’s ability to deliver in clutch situations could be crucial in Omaha.
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Offensive Firepower – Both teams combined for 24 runs and 28 hits, showcasing the explosive offenses that carried them this far. Oregon State’s ability to respond every time Florida State took the lead was a testament to their resilience.
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Bullpen Heroics – While the starters struggled, the Beavers’ relievers stepped up when it mattered most. Holmes’ performance in high-leverage situations bodes well for Oregon State’s chances in the CWS.
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Florida State’s Bright Future – Despite the loss, the Seminoles have plenty to be proud of. With a young core and a strong recruiting class, they are poised to be a national contender for years to come.
Looking Ahead to Omaha
Oregon State will now prepare for the College World Series, where they will face the nation’s best. The Beavers’ combination of elite hitting, solid pitching, and clutch performances makes them a legitimate threat to win it all.
As for Gavin Caraway, his grand slam will forever be etched in Oregon State baseball lore. In a game filled with twists and turns, it was his moment that propelled the Beavers to Omaha. And if they continue to play with the same heart and determination they showed against Florida State, they just might bring another championship back to Corvallis.
For now, the celebration continues. The road to Omaha is complete, but the journey is far from over. The College World Series awaits, and the Beavers are ready for the challenge.
