PULLMAN, Wash. – Fresno State was unable to recover from an early deficit on Saturday evening, falling 17-0 to Washington State in a seven-inning run-rule decision at Bailey-Brayton Field.
How It Happened
The Cougars wasted no time setting the tone, erupting for seven runs in the bottom of the first inning on seven hits. Washington State strung together a series of RBI singles and doubles before capping the frame with a sacrifice fly to take a commanding early lead.
The offensive surge continued in the second inning as Washington State added four more runs, highlighted by a three-run home run from Cam Macleod that pushed the advantage to 11-0.
Fresno State managed just three hits on the night, with Owen Faust, Jett Ruby and Mikey Pickett each recording one. The Bulldogs threatened sparingly and were unable to generate sustained offense against Cougar starter Griffin Smith, who tossed six scoreless innings while striking out five.
On the mound, Tyler Patrick took the loss after allowing seven runs in the first inning. Weston Thornbury and Wyatt Thornbury combined to cover the remaining innings, but Washington State continued to add on with single runs in the fourth and a five-run fifth inning, which included a solo home run from Max Hartman.
Washington State finished with 17 runs on 17 hits, led by Macleod's six RBIs and Ollie Obenour's three-hit performance.
With the loss, Fresno State moves to 12-31-1 on the season and 1-15-1 in Mountain West play, while Washington State improves to 25-21 overall and 13-7 in conference.
Up Next:
Fresno State will look to bounce back in the series finale against Washington State on Sunday.