Beavers, Pilots set to square off at Volcanoes Stadium Tuesday

Opening day for the 2014 Salem-Keizer Volcanoes is still 35 days away, but that's not stopping baseball fans from watching some of the Northwest's premiere talent play under the bright lights of Volcanoes Stadium.

On Tuesday, May 13, the number one nationally ranked Oregon State Beavers are putting their 34-8 record to the test, as they face off against the University of Portland in Keizer.

This event will also mark the first time in which Volcanoes Stadium has played host to the top ranked team in America.

Named the nation's top ranked team by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), the Beavers are currently riding an eight game winning streak. The Beavs' most recent victory came on May 6, a 4-3 extra-inning affair against the #9 ranked Oregon Ducks.

It's the offense that has led Oregon State's most recent surge, as the Beavers have outscored their opponents 50-15 over the past eight games.

Junior outfielder Michael Conforto has paved the way for OSU, hitting .407 in 43 games played. He stands atop the team in hits (61), doubles (14) and home runs (5), while ranking second with 49 RBIs.

While the Beaver offense has exploded throughout the past few weeks, the pitching has been sharp since the season's open.

Junior pitcher Jace Fry has notched nine wins in 12 starts for the Beavers. Fry and fellow Oregonian Ben Wetzler are leading a pitching staff that has accumulated a Pacific-12 Conference best 2.16 earned run average.

Owners of a 10-34 record, the University of Portland looks to shake up the national rankings as they attempt to avenge a 5-0 loss to Oregon State on March 4.

In that game, Conforto went 1 for 3 with three RBIs, while freshman Jake Thompson registered the win for the Beavers after tossing five shutout innings.

Despite their record, the Pilots have shown their ability to compete against upper level teams from the Pac-12.

The University of Portland defeated UCLA 1-0 on February 14, and suffered a narrow 3-2 loss to Oregon on May 7.

First pitch between the Pilots and Beavers from Volcanoes Stadium is set for Tuesday at 5:35 p.m.

Beavers/Volcanoes Combo Pack Available

For fans interested in attending Tuesday night's game, there's still time to buy the Beavers/Volcanoes Combo Pack.

For just $30, fans will not only receive a Lower Level Box Seat to watch the #1 ranked Beavers, but they'll also be receive a voucher for a box seat for Opening Night on June 13 as the Volcanoes play host to the defending Northwest League Champion Vancouver Canadians.

Interested in catching all the action from the best seat in the house? Call 503-390-2225 and ask for the Combo Pack.