OMAHA, Neb. — AJ Singer emerged from Charles Schwab Field late Sunday night with an exhausted demeanor, reflecting on Oregon State’s challenging loss in the Men’s College World Series. The Beavers fell 6-2 to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, marking their first defeat in the tournament and putting their season on the brink of elimination.
Despite the disappointment, Singer expressed confidence in his team’s resilience. “We love this. We love elimination games. This is nothing new to us, and we’re ready for what’s to come,” he said with a smile. The Beavers have faced adversity throughout the season, having survived critical elimination games in both the regional and super regional rounds.
As the No. 4 seed, the Beavers now find themselves one loss away from an early exit and must quickly regroup before facing the Louisville Cardinals on Tuesday at 11 a.m., a rematch from their opening game in the World Series. Oregon State’s pitching coach, Rich Dorman, remains optimistic about the team’s response to this setback. “This isn’t the end of this team,” he stated, emphasizing their potential to bounce back.
However, the Beavers’ performance against Coastal Carolina was marked by a series of errors and uncharacteristic slip-ups. They committed multiple mistakes that contributed to an early four-run deficit. Errors by Aiva Arquette and Singer, both of whom are usually solid defensively, set a concerning tone for the game. The Chanticleers capitalized on these misplays, showcasing a dominant performance led by pitcher Jacob Morrison, who limited the Beavers to just one run over 7 2/3 innings.
While it was a tough outing for the Beavers, they have proven their mettle throughout the season. Coach Mitch Canham remarked on the need to approach challenges with a fighting spirit. “If you’re scared of a little bit of an obstacle in front of you, then sport isn’t for you,” he noted.
With their backs against the wall, the Beavers aim to revive their championship aspirations. They are familiar with overcoming hurdles, having fought through similar elimination scenarios in the past, including their journey to the 2018 national title.
Despite the current pressures, the Beavers’ collective experience and determination may serve as their greatest assets in the challenging games ahead. They will look to harness their love for the game and ability to thrive under pressure as they continue their pursuit of glory in Omaha.