The goal for Iowa baseball coach Rick Heller is to win a series against 10th ranked Oregon State while setting up his pitching for next week’s Big Ten series at home against fifth ranked Oregon. The Hawkeyes and Beavers open a three game series Friday night at Principal Park in Des Moines and with the potential Big Ten clinching series against the Ducks starting on Thursday, Iowa starting pitchers will have shorter stints this weekend.

Heller says the series against Oregon State will be good preparation for Oregon.

Oregon State will have plenty to play for. The Beavers are in a position where they could host an NCAA Regional with a strong finish.

As the state’s only division one program, Heller says playing a series in Des Moines is a great way to promote college baseball.

The series will continue with single games Saturday and Sunday.