Under the leadership of head coach Mitch Canham, Oregon State delivered a powerful performance on one of the biggest stages in college baseball, defeating Florida State 14-10 in the Corvallis Super Regional to secure its first berth in the College World Series under Canham’s tenure. It was a game filled with tension, fireworks, and a relentless offensive attack that left no doubt the Beavers belonged among the nation’s elite. Fueled by a barrage of early home runs and gritty execution from top to bottom, Oregon State made a statement — they’re not just going to Omaha, they’re going there swinging.
From the first pitch, Oregon State looked like a team with something to prove. The bats were alive, the crowd was electric, and there was a sense that history was ready to be made at Goss Stadium. Florida State, a storied program in its own right, came into the Corvallis Super Regional with its usual blend of speed, power, and pedigree. But what the Seminoles weren’t ready for was the sheer fury of the Beavers’ offense in the opening innings.
Oregon State jumped out early, pounding out home runs in bunches to quickly build a lead. The fans hadn’t even settled into their seats before the first ball cleared the fence. Then came another. And another. The Beavers looked like a team possessed, punishing fastballs and off-speed pitches alike, turning Florida State’s pitching staff into target practice. By the end of the third inning, Oregon State had already plated a commanding number of runs, many of them coming via the long ball.
It wasn’t just one or two guys getting it done. The entire lineup contributed. Whether it was working deep counts, fighting off tough pitches, or launching towering home runs, every batter seemed locked in. The synergy of the offense was striking — and indicative of the culture Canham has built since taking the reins of the program.
Mitch Canham, a former Oregon State catcher and a national champion himself, returned to his alma mater to bring the Beavers back to this stage. He knows what Omaha means. He’s felt the pressure, the glory, the grind. That perspective has been invaluable as he’s guided this team through the highs and lows of a grueling season. Now, with the College World Series on the horizon, Canham’s journey comes full circle — this time as a coach leading the charge.
The 14-10 final score didn’t quite reflect how dominant Oregon State was early on, but it did underscore the fight Florida State brought as the game wore on. The Seminoles refused to go quietly, clawing back into the contest with timely hits of their own, forcing Oregon State to dig deep. It wasn’t a blowout — it was a battle. And that’s what makes the Beavers’ win all the more impressive.
In key moments when the game began to tighten, Oregon State leaned on its leaders — veterans who had been through the fires of Pac-12 competition, players who understood the stakes and didn’t flinch when the pressure mounted. Pitchers stepped up with critical strikeouts. Fielders made sharp, efficient plays to stop rallies before they could start. And the offense kept applying pressure, scoring in bursts and never allowing Florida State to get fully comfortable.
Canham’s dugout was a picture of calm intensity — never too high, never too low. That’s the environment he’s cultivated, one that empowers players to trust their training and embrace the moment. It’s not just about big hits and highlight-reel plays; it’s about playing the game the right way, pitch by pitch, inning by inning. That discipline has been central to the Beavers’ success all season.
For Oregon State fans, this victory was more than just another win. It was a reminder of the program’s storied past and a glimpse into a promising future. The Beavers have won national championships before. They’ve tasted glory. But each run is unique, and this one, led by a former player turned head coach, carries a special kind of weight. There’s a sense of legacy being passed on — from the championship teams of the 2000s to the new generation now headed to Omaha.
And what a journey it’s been. From the early-season grind to the conference gauntlet and now through the chaos of the Super Regionals, Oregon State has proven it has the depth, resilience, and firepower to compete with the very best. The pitching staff, though tested, has shown grit in big moments. The defense has been largely sharp and reliable. But it’s the offense — explosive, fearless, and relentless — that has truly defined this team’s identity.
That identity was on full display against Florida State. Every time the Seminoles tried to mount a comeback, Oregon State answered. The Beavers’ approach at the plate was aggressive but smart, capitalizing on mistakes and making pitchers work. By the end of the game, Florida State had exhausted multiple arms trying to contain the damage, but the Beavers kept coming. It was an offensive onslaught that few teams in the nation could match.
The home run surge in the early innings not only set the tone but demoralized Florida State and energized the Oregon State faithful. Fans roared with every crack of the bat, sensing that something special was unfolding. And indeed, it was. Baseball is a game of momentum, and Oregon State seized it early and never truly let go. Even when Florida State chipped away, the Beavers never panicked. They remained composed and confident — hallmarks of a team built for a deep postseason run.
There will be challenges ahead in Omaha, no doubt. The College World Series is a pressure cooker, filled with elite programs and future pros. But if this Super Regional performance is any indication, Oregon State is ready. They have the talent. They have the leadership. And perhaps most importantly, they have the belief.
For Mitch Canham, this moment is deeply personal. He’s been the underdog and the champion. He’s seen what it takes to reach the pinnacle, and now he’s instilling those same lessons in his players. The connection between coach and team is undeniable — a shared commitment to excellence, a mutual respect, and a bond forged in the trenches of competition. Canham’s fingerprints are all over this team’s identity, and now, that identity is headed to Omaha.
There’s something poetic about Canham bringing Oregon State back to the College World Series. It’s not just a return — it’s a renaissance. The Beavers aren’t riding on reputation; they’re forging a new legacy, one swing at a time. This team isn’t just playing to win — they’re playing to honor a tradition, to build on it, and to inspire the next wave of Beavers who dream of taking the field in June.
As the final out was recorded and gloves flew into the air, a wave of joy swept through Goss Stadium. Players mobbed each other, fans screamed, and Mitch Canham stood in the middle of it all — proud, emotional, fulfilled. He had led his team to the doorstep of greatness, and now, the journey continues in Omaha.
It’s been a season of highlights, hurdles, and heart. And now, with the biggest stage ahead, Oregon State will carry the lessons of every game, every inning, and every moment into the College World Series. They’ve earned their shot. They’ve earned their place. And with Mitch Canham at the helm, the Beavers are ready to chase it all.
