WSU baseball (22-13, 7-10) earned a hard-fought victory over the Gonzaga Bulldogs in Spokane Tuesday evening. 

The Cougs trailed after two innings, but quickly tied the game then took control thanks to the Cougs’ offense. 

Both teams had eight hits in the game and one error, but the Cougs were more efficient with their hits and walks as they won 4-2. 

Sam Brown and Elijah Hainline both had three hits in the game for the Cougs. They both added an RBI as well. Cam Magee also picked up an RBI in the game. 

“Eljah’s been a really good player for us, he’s been heating up offensively,” head coach Brian Green said postgame.

Starting pitcher Spencer Jones went three innings for the Cougs. He allowed one run on three hits and struck out two batters. Duke Brotherton picked up the win after he went two innings and allowed two hits with no runs. He also struck out two batters and walked none. 

Of the six pitchers the Cougs used, they combined for seven strikeouts and three walks. All three walks were allowed by Caden Kaelber, who walked every batter he faced. 

The Bulldogs used only three pitchers, who combined for seven strikeouts and four walks. The pitchers also hit three batters in the game. 

“Just continue the momentum we brought in from the weekend, especially against Arizona,” Hainline said postgame. 

Scoring Innings:

Bottom 2: 1 Gonzaga Run 

The Bulldogs got the scoring started in the bottom of the second as they scored the lone run off a double play with two base runners on. They took the early 1-0 lead, but it would not last.

Top 3: 1 WSU Run

In the top of the third inning, the Cougs would tie the game at one. Bryce Matthews picked up the RBI after he grounded out to first base, but scored Hainline on the play.

Top 4: 2 WSU Runs 

The Cougs would take the lead in the top of the fourth inning as they scored two runs. Magee hit a sac fly which scored Brown to give WSU the 2-1 lead. They would extend the lead later in the inning thanks to Hainline, who hit an RBI double to left field which scored Kyle Russell. The Cougs now lead 3-1. 

Top 5: 1 WSU Run 

Brown picked up his 38th RBI on the season with an RBI in the fifth inning after he lined out, but scored Jonah Advincula to give WSU the 4-1 lead with four innings to go. Brown has RBIs in his last five games.

Bottom 8: 1 Gonzaga Run 

The Bulldogs scored their last run of the game in the bottom of the eighth as they picked up an RBI single to cut the lead to two. The Cougs’ pitching stood tall in the ninth, and they picked up the 4-2 victory. 

McKabe Cottrell picked up his first save of the season as he went two innings and struck out two batters and allowed only one hit. 

“McKabe is another guy who if you look at his last four or five outings he just continues to get better and better,” Green said. 

The next time the Cougs take the field will be this weekend as the Cougs host Santa Clara for a three-game non-Conference series starting Friday. First pitch is set for 3:05 pm at Bailey-Brayton Field.