The Air Force Falcons pulled off a stunning 9‑6 victory over the seventh‑ranked Oregon State Beavers on Friday night, snapping a early‑season slump and delivering the program’s first win over a top‑ten opponent since 2024.
Oregon State struck first, plating two runs in the bottom of the second inning before the Falcons answered with a four‑run burst in the top of the third, highlighted by Walker Zapp’s clutch hitting.
The game seesawed through the next two frames, with Tripp Garrish driving in three runs and Ben Niednagel and Christian Taylor each adding an RBI to push the lead to 6‑4 in the fourth.
Jordan Watkins struggled on the mound, surrendering five runs in just 2.1 innings, but Trey Rutledge steadied the ship with 3.2 shutout innings and five strikeouts, while Patrick Davidson closed out the ninth for his fourth save of the season.
Garrish’s second homer of the weekend in the fifth extended the Falcons’ advantage, but Oregon State rallied in the seventh to take an 8‑5 lead. A decisive rally in the top of the ninth, capped by a timely single, sealed a 9‑6 final score.
The rubber match of the series is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at 1:35 p.m. PT/2:35 p.m. MT at Coleman Field, where the Falcons hope to finish the weekend on a high note.
Key Performances
Walker Zapp finished with a trio of hits, including two RBIs, while Tripp Garrish’s two‑homer night and three‑run contribution proved decisive. Reliever Trey Rutledge’s dominant stretch and Patrick Davidson’s late‑game save were equally vital.
What’s Next
The series concludes on Saturday, May 16, at 1:35 p.m. PT/2:35 p.m. MT at Coleman Field, offering the Falcons a chance to cap the weekend with another win.