SURPRISE, Ariz. - The University of Arizona baseball team received a tremendous performance from starting pitcher Smith Bailey, and the Wildcats scored six runs; unfortunately, the team narrowly fell to #12 Oregon State by a final score of 7-6.

Arizona (0-2) recorded nine hits and drew six walks at the plate, while the Beavers (1-1) tallied eight hits and drew just two walks. 

Bailey started on the mound, and Oregon State managed to plate one run in the first inning after the second batter drew a walk. The Beavers then stole second and advanced to third after tagging up on a fly ball. Bailey was charged with a wild pitch, allowing the runner to score.

The Beavers tacked on another run in the bottom of the third, extending their lead to 2-0.

Dom Rodriguez got Arizona's offense going in the top of the fifth inning, smashing a ball through the right side of the infield for a leadoff single. Roman Meyers was then hit by a pitch, and Carson McEntire proceeded to draw a walk, as the Wildcats loaded the bases with no outs. Mathis Meurant hit a sacrifice play to bring Rodriguez home, trimming the deficit down to one run.

Bailey retired three straight Oregon State batters in the bottom of the fifth; and, Arizona's bats continued to heat up in the top of the sixth. Beau Sylvester commenced the inning with a single up the middle, and Tony Lira followed with a single of his own. Andrew Cain proceeded to make it three consecutive hits, lacing a ball through the right side of the infield for a single, and Sylvester scored on the play to tie the contest. Nate Novitske entered as a pinch hitter and made it four consecutive hits, as he ripped a line drive to right center field, bringing Lira home and giving the Wildcats their first lead of the contest. Meyers was up next, and he hit into a fielder's choice; but, Cain scored on the play, pushing the lead up to 4-2. After an errant throw on a pickoff attempt, Meyers advanced to second. Mathis Meurant dug in and drilled a ball to left center to plate another run, as Arizona extended their lead up to 5-2 entering the bottom of the sixth inning. 

Bailey retired three straight Beavers for the second consecutive inning, as Arizona maintained a 5-2 lead entering the seventh frame. Bailey ended the day after throwing six innings, allowing three hits and two runs, while striking out four batters. 

After a scoreless at-bat for the Wildcats in the top of the seventh, Oregon State managed to plate five runs in the bottom half of the frame, as Arizona used three different pitchers in the half inning. 

After a scoreless eighth inning, Arizona entered the final frame trailing 7-5. Following a groundout to commence the top of the ninth, Maddox Mihalakis drew a walk. Freshman Caleb Danzeisen stepped in to pinch hit in the next at-bat and worked a full count before fouling off multiple pitches. Danzeisen then watched ball-four go by, as he drew a walk to put two runners on with one out. Lira then recorded his third hit of the day to score Mihalakis and bring the Wildcats within one run with two runners on. Unfortunately, Arizona was unable to bring the tying run home, and they fell to Oregon State 7-6. 

The Wildcats will return to the field on Sunday, February 14, for the final game of the College Baseball Series, as they will face Michigan at 4 p.m.