VandenBrink makes catching debut as Oregon State steamrolls Xavier

Redshirt-freshman catcher Ryan VandenBrink got his first action behind the plate in the Beavers' 17-2 win over Xavier.

Mar. 9, 2026 at 2:56am

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Oregon State baseball's Ryan VandenBrink made his collegiate debut as a catcher in the Beavers' 17-2 win over Xavier on Sunday, March 8. VandenBrink, a redshirt-freshman, replaced senior catcher Jacob Galloway in the sixth inning and showed off his arm with a caught stealing. VandenBrink also had a bases-loaded RBI single in the eighth inning. Oregon State notched 17 hits and 16 walks in the dominant victory.

Why it matters

VandenBrink has been committed to Oregon State since before high school, so his debut behind the plate at Goss Stadium was a long-awaited milestone. The Beavers have a deep catching corps, so getting VandenBrink some game experience is important for his development and the team's future at the position.

The details

VandenBrink replaced senior catcher Jacob Galloway in the sixth inning and quickly showed off his arm, gunning down a runner trying to steal second base. He also had a bases-loaded RBI single in the eighth inning. Oregon State's offense was dominant, with 11 different players recording hits and the team combining for 17 hits and 16 walks.

  • VandenBrink made his collegiate debut as a catcher in the top of the sixth inning on Sunday, March 8.
  • VandenBrink had a bases-loaded RBI single in the eighth inning.

The players

Ryan VandenBrink

A redshirt-freshman catcher for Oregon State who made his collegiate debut behind the plate in the win over Xavier.

Jacob Galloway

The senior catcher for Oregon State who has started every game at the position so far this season.

Eric Segura

The junior right-handed pitcher who earned the win for Oregon State, pitching 5 and 2/3rds innings of scoreless ball with 8 strikeouts.

Mitch Canham

The head coach of the Oregon State baseball team.

Tyler Inge

The Oregon State shortstop who went 3-for-3 and reached base safely in all 6 of his plate appearances.

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What they’re saying

“There was a lot of patience (required) and, you know, some waiting. Shoot, even through high school. All you want to go is go out there and put on orange and black. Finally getting to do it today, it was a great experience.”

— Ryan VandenBrink, Redshirt-freshman catcher

“You want to find ways to get Vandy in there. We have a handful of really good catchers — all can be big offensive threats — and Galloway's caught every inning up to this point. So, having a lead and an opportunity to get (VandenBrink) in there and get his feet wet behind the dish was great.”

— Mitch Canham, Head coach

What’s next

Oregon State will look to complete the series sweep against Xavier on Monday, March 9 at 5:35 p.m. PST.

The takeaway

VandenBrink's long-awaited debut behind the plate for Oregon State was a meaningful milestone, as the redshirt-freshman has been committed to the Beavers since before high school. Getting him game experience will be crucial for the team's future at the catcher position, as Oregon State has a deep group of talented backstops.