Gavin Turley likes playing in his home state. The Arizona native left the yard for his first career hit on Oregon State’s Opening Day.

Turley, starting in right field for the Beavers, had a 2-2 count in the bottom of the 2nd inning of the Sanderson Ford College Classic when he launched a solo shot over the fence of Surprise Stadium in Arizona, giving OSU a 1-0 lead over New Mexico. In addition to being Turley’s first-ever hit, it’s the first home run hit by a Pac-12 player in 2023.

Turley was selected in the 19th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, but did not sign with Arizona. Playing for Hamilton High School, the Chandler, Arizona product earned Perfect Game All-American recognition.

In the bottom of the 3rd inning, it remains a 1-0 game in OSU’s favor.