In Corvallis, Dax Whitney is making waves in the college baseball world, and it's not hard to see why. The Oregon State ace delivered a jaw-dropping performance against Baylor, striking out 17 batters over seven innings in a 3-1 victory. This feat earned him the national pitcher of the week honors from Perfect Game, the College Baseball Foundation, and Golden Spikes, along with a co-pitcher of the week nod from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
Whitney's strikeout count ties him with OSU legends Mason Smith and Cooper Hjerpe for the most in a single game. From the start, Whitney felt he was in the zone. “I sat down in between innings, I was like, ‘I’m going to strike a lot of dudes out today,’” he shared, exuding confidence.
Throughout his outing, Whitney allowed just two hits, a walk, and a hit batter. He struck out at least one batter in every inning and fanned the side in four separate frames.
Beavers catcher Jacob Galloway, who transferred from Texas A&M via USC, quipped about his sore arm from all the throws around the horn, calling it the best pitching performance he’s ever caught. “After the fifth or sixth inning, I started leaving him alone and letting him be in his zone,” Galloway said.
Initially, Whitney thought he fell short of the record, believing Hjerpe had struck out 18. Upon learning he tied the record, he joked, “Now that last guy hurts a little bit more.”
Mason Smith, present at the game, congratulated Whitney, appreciating the shared record. Hjerpe also sent his congratulations through pitching coach Rich Dorman.
Oregon State coach Mitch Canham praised Whitney’s dedication, noting a key adjustment Whitney made from the season opener against Michigan. By altering his lower body mechanics-ensuring his step was straight-Whitney found greater control and effectiveness in his pitches. “Focusing on riding that hip further down the mound and then opening up a little bit further, that was really the only change,” Whitney explained.
For those who love baseball analytics, Whitney’s performance was a goldmine. He recorded strikeouts with all four pitches, hit a blistering 100.1 mph on his fastball-the fastest recorded by an OSU pitcher using Trackman-and showcased remarkable spin rates and movement.
Easton Talt, watching from the dugout, appreciated Whitney’s dominance, especially after witnessing a similar performance against OSU two years prior. Talt contributed with a crucial home run-saving catch and the game-winning two-run single in the ninth.
Whitney isn’t resting on his laurels, though. “I’m happy it came in Week 2 because now it gives me something to try and beat,” he said, setting a high bar for himself moving forward. With 17 strikeouts currently leading college baseball this season, Whitney has set a new standard for his performances.