No. 6 Oregon State Beats Hawai’i in Series Opener, Ace Whitney Exits Early

No. 6 Oregon State opened its weekend series against Hawai’i with a 12-4 victory on Friday night at Goss Stadium in Corvallis. The Beavers improved to 31-9 on the season, while the Rainbow Warriors fell to 20-17.

Hawai’i struck first when Kamana Nahaku launched a leadoff home run to right-center field in the top of the first inning. However, Oregon State responded with a powerful offensive display, cracking 15 hits to build an early lead.

The game’s defining moment came in the middle of the sixth inning when Beavers ace Dax Whitney exited with arm tightness. Whitney had thrown 89 pitches before walking off the mound and did not attempt another throw. He left the game shortly after Oregon State’s head coach Mitch Canham and the athletic trainer reached him on the mound.

Whitney, a sophomore right-hander, entered the game on pace to set Oregon State’s single-season strikeout record and was regarded by Baseball America as the top draft prospect for the 2027 MLB Draft. No update on his status was provided following his exit.

Despite the early departure of their ace, Oregon State’s offense carried the team to victory. The Beavers will look to build on this win as the series continues.