In a dramatic showdown at Blair Field, Washington State faced a heart-wrenching 6-4 defeat against BYU, thanks to a late-game surge by the Cougars. With two outs in the ninth inning, a three-run homer flipped the script, leaving WSU fans in disbelief.
The Cougars had a 4-3 lead heading into the ninth, feeling confident after retiring the first two batters. However, a hit-by-pitch and a walk set the stage for BYU's pinch-hitter, who capitalized on a 2-0 pitch, sending it soaring over the left-field fence. WSU tried to mount a comeback, bringing the tying run to the plate, but a flyout sealed their fate.
WSU's starter, Luke Meyers, was nothing short of stellar for most of the game. Over seven innings, he struck out three and allowed just one unearned run on four hits. Meyers was cruising with a perfect game until a bunt single disrupted his rhythm in the sixth inning.
On the offensive side, Trevor Smith and Gavin Roy each notched three hits, while Dustin Robinson contributed with two doubles and two RBIs. The Cougars initially jumped to a 2-0 lead in the fourth, thanks to Robinson's two-run double. They extended their advantage to 4-0 in the fifth with a sacrifice fly from Kyler Northrop and an RBI-triple by Max Hartman.
BYU found their groove in the sixth, breaking up Meyers' perfect game with a bunt single and later scoring on a sacrifice fly after a throwing error. The eighth inning saw BYU inch closer, narrowing the gap to one run with a combination of hits and a hit-by-pitch.
The ninth inning was where the drama peaked. After a hit-by-pitch and a walk, BYU's pinch-hitter delivered the crushing blow with a three-run homer, putting them ahead for good.
Inside the Box Score:
- Trevor Smith achieved his first career three-hit game and third career multi-hit game.
- Max Hartman recorded his second career triple.
- Three of WSU's last four games have been nail-biters, decided in the ninth or tenth innings.
- WSU holds a 26-20 all-time record against BYU.
Next Up:
WSU will look to bounce back in their upcoming match, aiming to turn the page on this tough loss.