KEIZER, Ore. --- It was close early between the Portland Pilots and No. 1 Oregon State, but in the end the Beavers used a four-run fifth inning to take control of the game before prevailing 7-1 on Tuesday night at Volcanoes Stadium. Beau Brundage, Matt Kelly and Ryan Hoogerwerf each had two hits for the Pilots.
 
After the Beavers (42-4) took the lead with a run in the bottom of the second, the Pilots (10-38-1) tied it with an answer in the top of the next inning. With two outs, Brundage singled to keep the Pilots alive. Kelly followed with a triple to deep right field, scoring Brundage and leveling the score 1-1.
 
The tie was short-lived as the Beavers claimed a triple and an RBI single from Jack Anderson in the home half off the inning to re-claim a slight edge.
 
OSU then escaped a bases loaded jam in the top of the fifth before building their lead with four runs in the bottom of the frame. Trevor Larnach had a two-run homer during the outburst to help push the Beavs' lead to 6-1. Their advantage grew to 7-1 with a triple and a sacrifice fly in the seventh.
 
Portland starter Tate Budnick (1-9) take the loss after surrendering four runs on seven hits in 4.0 innings. He fanned four and was followed by relievers Jordan Horak and Marty Luckenbach on the hill.
 
Oregon State countered with four pitchers on the night, with the win going to reliever Jake Mulholland (6-1). Mulholland didn't allow a hit in 2.2 scoreless innings.
 
The Pilots next return home to host the Loyola Marymount Lions in the final West Coast Conference series of the season. First pitch at Joe Etzel Field on Friday and Saturday is scheduled for 6 p.m., while Sunday's finale will begin at 1 p.m. Portland also honor its seniors with a ceremony prior to Sunday's game.