A five-run fifth inning was all Jake Thompson needed to secure his 10th win of the season as the Beavers cruised Sunday over California.

The Beavers (38-4, 21-3 Pac-12) defeated the Golden Bears (21-24, 12-12 Pac-12) by a score of 10-2 Sunday to complete the sweep, winning their 10th straight conference series dating back to 2016. The majority of the offense came in the big fifth inning.

Nick Madrigal started off the inning with a first-pitch single and the Beavers rallied to score three runs. With two outs, Cadyn Grenier ripped a triple into the right-center field gap, legging out his fifth triple of the season.

After back-to-back walks, the bases were loaded for Malone, a pinch-hitter who hasn’t seen much playing time this season. Malone hit a single into left field, scoring Grenier and Andy Atwood.

“It’s coming together,” Malone said. “My swing feels pretty good right now, just these little things will hopefully help me out in the future.”

Malone finished the day 2-2 with two RBIs, and was the only Beaver with multiple hits on the afternoon.

“It’s always good to have a little confidence booster,” Malone said. “I’m here for whatever Coach Casey needs, and the (other) coaches. I understand my role, and if he puts me in, I’m ready for it.”

Oregon State scattered 10 hits among nine different hitters, and provided more than enough run support for Thompson.

“We needed to put runs on the board against that club,” Casey said. “I know today we held them to two, but they got 10 hits. We did a good job getting out of innings, and I thought we did a good job with the situational defense.”

Thompson allowed two runs on the afternoon, while going 6.1 innings and striking out six California batters.

“He did what he had to do,” Casey said. “He got us deep into the game, and we were able to get some runs on the board for him.

Although it wasn’t his most dominant performance, Thompson did enough to stifle the Bears’ bats during his time on the mound.

“The problem when you pitch as well as he’s pitched, everybody expects him to shut someone out,” Casey said. “He was good. He’s wasn’t as sharp as he can be because he kept the ball up.”

Thompson has indeed been sharp most of the season, and is tied for the lead in wins nationally.

“I’ve been able to command the strike zone a lot better,” Thompson said of his season so far. “Getting ahead of hitters, and being able to finish them off—that’s what has been working for me.”

Looking ahead, OSU travels to Eugene next week for the Civil War series. If the Beavers win the first two games, they will clinch the Pac-12 title outright. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. Thursday from PK Park.

“Steven’s really had a good 10 games,” Casey said. “He’s really swinging the bat well, and playing confident.”