Arizona second baseman Cody Ramer (13) makes a stretching catch on a throw from shortstop Louis Boyd (5) to force Oregon State runner Christian Donahue (1) on a fielder's choice ball from hitter Nick Madrigal (3) in the ninth inning of their Pac 12 game at Hi Corbett Field, Saturday, May 7, 2016, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

While in Oregon for the Arizona basketball series a week ago, I walked by (in the rain), Oregon State’s Goss Stadium, which seats 3,248. The Beavers and Wildcats were Nos. 1 and 2 in Pac-12 attendance last season, and the Beavers are ranked No. 1 nationally and are the coaches’ favorite to win the 2017 league title. It just doesn’t figure that OSU should be a baseball power. On a rainy and windy day when it was about 38 degrees and raining, the Beavers practiced outside on the artificial surface at Goss. (They also have an indoor facility.) When Arizona opens its season at home next weekend, OSU will spend 11 days in Surprise playing Duke, Gonzaga, Indiana, Ohio State and Nebraska. 


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.