Oregon State's Michael Gretler (Shotgun Spratling)
Heimlich’s Gem, Gretler’s Hit Lifts Beavs
Analysis LOS ANGELES — Third baseman Michael Gretler walked back to the dugout with his head down in the fourth inning after striking out with two runners on. He received an earful from the Oregon State coaching staff for not finding a way to move the runners.
His shot at redemption came six innings later Friday night.
As he had in the fourth inning, Gretler got ahead in the count, but this time, when he swung at a 1-0 pitch, he didn’t miss. The junior turned on a Jake Bird fastball and rocketed it up against the left field wall for an RBI double that scored Steven Kwan, leading the Beavers to a 4-2 win in 10 innings.
It was also redemption the Beavers (31-2, 15-1). The hit put OSU back ahead after Nick Kern hit a game-tying two-strike, two-out, two-run homer in the ninth inning to give UCLA (17-17, 9-7) life.
“I hope that’s a statement that we’re going to continue to fight,” Oregon State head coach Pat Casey said. “There was some opportunities for us to maybe do a little more offensively, but you give up two and you come right back and get two right away to win the ball game.
“Our job is to come out and play as good of baseball as we can play and I don’t necessarily think that you always do that, but if you don’t do that and you win, that’s a good sign.”
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