Iowa Comes Up Short Against #19 Oregon State, 4-3

Hawkeyes rally late but can't overcome early deficit against ranked Beavers

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of Iowa baseball team lost a close 4-3 contest against No. 19 Oregon State on Sunday at the Frisco College Baseball Classic in Texas. The Hawkeyes fell behind early but mounted a late comeback effort, scoring three runs in the fourth and fifth innings, before ultimately falling short.

Why it matters

This was an important early-season matchup between two strong college baseball programs. While Iowa came up just short, the game showcased the team's resilience and ability to battle back against a ranked opponent, providing optimism for the rest of the season.

The details

Oregon State jumped out to a 4-0 lead with a two-run homer in the second inning and single runs in the third and fourth. Iowa broke through in the fourth when Kellen Strohmeyer scored on a wild pitch, then added two more runs in the fifth on RBI hits from Caleb Wulf and Joey Nerat to make it 4-3. Maddux Frese provided 5.1 scoreless innings of relief for the Hawkeyes, but they were unable to push across the tying run despite multiple late opportunities.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 2, 2026.
  • Iowa scored its three runs in the fourth and fifth innings.

The players

Rick Heller

Head coach of the University of Iowa baseball team.

Caleb Wulf

Senior outfielder for the University of Iowa, who recorded his second straight 4-for-4 performance.

Maddux Frese

Junior pitcher for the University of Iowa, who threw 5.1 scoreless innings of relief.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The story today was missed opportunities on offense. Oregon State has great pitching, but at the end of the day, we have to be better in those situations.”

— Rick Heller, Head Coach (1630kcjj.com)

“Maddux Freese did a phenomenal job when he came into the game. He pounded the zone and changed speeds, and they didn't score again.”

— Rick Heller, Head Coach (1630kcjj.com)

What’s next

The Hawkeyes will return home to face Loras on Tuesday, March 4th at 4:05 PM CT.

The takeaway

While Iowa came up short against the ranked Beavers, the team's late-game rally and strong relief pitching performance from Maddux Frese provide optimism for the rest of the season. The Hawkeyes will look to build on this effort as they return home to face Loras on Tuesday.