Cal Poly Edges Washington State in Tense Extra-Inning Battle
In a thrilling showdown at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly staged a comeback to edge out Washington State with a 3-2 victory in extra innings. The Cougars initially held a 2-0 lead, thanks to a solid start from Nick Lewis, who delivered five scoreless innings while scattering five hits.
Game Highlights
Washington State kicked off the scoring in the third inning with some classic small ball. Gavin Roy ignited the offense with a double to centerfield. A fielding error on Ollie Obenour's bunt allowed Roy to score, and Max Hartman crossed the plate after Skjonsby laced a single through the right side, giving the Cougars a 2-0 advantage.
Lewis faced a jam in the fifth but showcased his poise by escaping a bases-loaded situation with a force out at home and a timely groundout to maintain the lead.
Cal Poly, however, found their rhythm in the sixth inning. A leadoff single and a double set the stage for a dramatic two-run double down the left field line, tying the game at 2-2 after a controversial non-strikeout call kept the inning alive.
The Cougars had their chances to reclaim the lead, notably loading the bases in the ninth inning, but a groundout ended the threat. In the tenth, Noah Thein's double down the right field line hinted at a breakthrough, yet the opportunity slipped away with a strikeout and popout.
Cal Poly capitalized on their chance in the bottom of the tenth. A leadoff single and a Cougar error on a bunt put runners in scoring position, and a wild pitch sealed the game for the Mustangs.
Notable Performances
- Kaden Wickersham delivered a scoreless sixth inning with a strikeout.
- Cam Macleod notched his first career hit, a double to left in the eighth.
- Noah Thein's ninth-inning double marked his first career extra-base hit.
The series continues with games on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. and Monday at 5:05 p.m., promising more excitement as these teams clash again.