BEAUMONT, Texas — Oregon State's pitching staff entered Game 1 leading the nation in strikeouts and delivered again Thursday night, holding Lamar University to three hits in a 2-0 shutout at Vincent-Beck Stadium.

The Beavers struck first in the opening inning, putting two runners aboard with two outs on a hit by pitch and a walk.

Jacob Galloway followed with an RBI single to left center, giving Oregon State an early lead.

Oregon State added an insurance run in the second when Bryson Glassco led off the inning with a solo home run to left field.

The Beavers' pitching staff retired six consecutive batters before Lamar's Balin Valentine recorded the Cardinals' first hit — a leadoff double to left — on the 10th pitch of his at-bat.

From there, Oregon State closed the door, retiring the final 12 batters in order.

Lamar threatened in the fifth inning but was unable to score after loading the bases on three walks.

The Cardinals were held hitless over the final five innings.

Meanwhile, the LU pitching staff held the Beavers to two hits over the final five innings while striking out five batters.

RECORDS: Oregon State (22-6); LU (17-13)

GAME NOTES

• Valentine finished 1 for 3, hitting his fifth double of the season.
• Hector Rodriguez has hit in three straight games, going 1 for 4 with a single.
• Kevin Duran singled in the fourth to finish 1 for 4.
• Jarret Williams struck out four batters in 3.1 innings while allowing two hits.
• The LU pitching staff combined for 10 strikeouts.
• Ethan Oceguera struck out two batters and allowed one hit in 1.2 innings of relief.
• Nathan Darden pitched a scoreless 1.2 innings with two strikeouts.
• Blayne Fritcher and Hayden Stallings combined for two strikeouts and 1.4 shutout innings.

UP NEXT

The series continues with Game 2 at 6:05 p.m. Friday, April 3.