In a lively showdown at Baggett Stadium, Washington State showcased their offensive prowess with an 8-3 victory over Cal Poly. Gavin Roy was the star of the afternoon, racking up three hits and driving in three key runs, setting the tone for the Cougars' impressive performance.
The Cougars' bats were on fire, amassing 11 hits and capitalizing on a three-run third inning and a four-run burst in the eighth. Griffin Smith took the mound with confidence, delivering six solid innings to secure the win.
Max Hartman and Ryan Skjonsby were instrumental, each contributing two hits, a double, and two RBIs. Leadoff hitter Trevor Smith was a constant threat, reaching base three times, executing an RBI-bunt single, drawing a walk, getting hit by a pitch, and scoring a run.
Key Moments of the Game
Washington State got the ball rolling in the third inning. Luke Thiele sparked the rally with a single to right-center, advanced on a bunt, and scored on Gavin Roy’s sharp opposite-field RBI single. Trevor Smith then drew a walk, setting the stage for Hartman, who smashed a two-run double off the left field wall, bringing home Roy and Smith for a 3-0 lead.
Cal Poly responded in the fourth, narrowing the gap to 3-2 with a trio of hits. But the Cougars answered back in the sixth with Skjonsby’s RBI double over the centerfielder's head. Griffin Smith then skillfully ended a potential threat with a slick 6-4-3 double play.
The Mustangs added a run in the seventh, making it a tight 4-3 game, but the Cougars weren’t done. In the eighth, Hartman singled, Dustin Robinson was hit by a pitch, and Dane Chavez laid down a sacrifice bunt.
Skjonsby came through with an RBI single, and Roy followed with a clutch single up the middle, plating two more runs. Trevor Smith capped the inning with a perfectly executed bunt single, allowing Noah Thein to score.
On the mound, Taber Fast handled the seventh and eighth innings, while August Richie sealed the deal with a flawless ninth.
Inside the Box Score
- Luke Thiele scored twice and singled
- Max Hartman added a stolen base to his standout day
- The Cougars excelled with runners in scoring position, going 8-for-14
Next Up
The series concludes on Monday at 5:05 p.m., with both teams eager to make their mark.