Cougars Clinch Dramatic Walk-Off Win Over Grand Canyon
In an electrifying showdown at Bailey-Brayton Field, the Washington State Cougars pulled off a thrilling 6-5 victory over Grand Canyon in 10 innings, thanks to Matt Priest's hustle on a walk-off RBI fielder's choice. The Cougars, now 9-12 overall and 3-2 in the Mountain West, showed resilience, rallying to tie the game in three consecutive innings before sealing the win.
Game Highlights
The Cougars kicked off the scoring in the third inning with Max Hartman's RBI infield single, putting them ahead 1-0. Both teams exchanged runs in the fifth, but Grand Canyon edged ahead 3-2 with a two-run seventh inning.
WSU's Ryan Skjonsby leveled the score in the eighth with an RBI single. However, Grand Canyon responded with a solo homer to start the ninth, reclaiming a 4-3 lead. The Cougars, undeterred, placed runners on the corners in the bottom of the ninth, setting the stage for Noah Thein's clutch safety squeeze bunt that brought Gavin Roy home to tie it up once more.
The tension peaked in the tenth when Grand Canyon took a 5-4 lead on a bases-loaded walk. Yet, the Cougars were far from finished.
Skjonsby ignited the rally with a single, followed by Cam Macleod reaching base on an infield error, and Kyler Northrop's bunt single loaded the bases. Roy's sacrifice fly tied the game, and Priest's sprint down the line ensured the win as Macleod crossed home plate.
Inside the Box Score
- Gavin Roy extended his on-base streak to eight games and his hitting streak to the same number with a walk and a double.
- Hartman's third-inning single pushed his hitting streak to six games.
- Priest's seventh-inning single maintained his five-game hitting streak and seven-game on-base streak.
- Dane Chavez's ninth-inning single extended his on-base streak to 12 games.
- Rylan Haider delivered 1.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts, while Scott Rienguette secured the win by pitching the final two innings.
This marked WSU's first walk-off win of the season, echoing last year's similar triumph over San Jose State.
On Deck
The Cougars will look to continue their momentum as they wrap up the series against Grand Canyon on Sunday at 12:05 p.m. Fans can expect another exciting matchup as WSU aims to build on their recent success.