OREGON STATE, WASHINGTON STATE SET FOR PAC-12 SERIES OPENER

PULLMAN, Wash. (Interstat) — The surging Oregon State Beavers open a three-game Pac-12 Conference series against the Washington State Cougars at Bailey-Brayton Field on Monday.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. under cloudy skies with a temperature near 64 degrees.

Oregon State (24-6) enters on a roll, having won 14 of its last 15 games, including a three-game road sweep of Lamar where it outscored the Cardinals 20-3. The Beavers’ potent offense is complemented by a pitching staff that has posted three shutouts in its last seven games.

The Beavers will send right-hander Ethan Kleinschmit to the mound. The sophomore has been dominant, not allowing a hit in three of his last four starts. Over that 21 2/3-inning span, he has surrendered just three earned runs while striking out 26 batters. He is coming off a 5 2/3-inning, hitless outing in Saturday’s 10-3 win at Lamar.

Washington State (14-16) looks to build momentum after taking two of three at San Jose State last weekend. The Cougars won the series finale 6-3 on Saturday behind a strong start from right-hander Luke Meyers, who is expected to get the ball Monday.

Meyers pitched six hitless innings against the Spartans, allowing two earned runs. His recent outings have been inconsistent, following that performance with a rough start against Nevada on March 29 where he gave up eight hits and five earned runs in four innings.

The Cougars’ offense will need to solve Kleinschmit and an Oregon State staff that has been stifling. Washington State’s Dustin Robinson, who had a home run and three RBIs on Saturday, will be a key bat.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a high-scoring affair, favoring Oregon State 8-6.

The series continues Tuesday before the Beavers return home to host Cal Poly next weekend. Washington State remains at home to face Gardner-Webb in a four-game set starting Thursday.