Day three of the weekend series against Iowa in Cleburne, Texas, proved fruitful for the Cougs as they managed a come-from-behind win after being down 4–1 late in the game.
Junior outfielder Miles Risley got the ball rolling for Iowa by driving in a run off a ground out in the first inning. Junior catcher Griffin Myers for the Cougs struck back in the third by driving in a run with the bases loaded.
Iowa proceeded to put up three unanswered runs through three innings. Junior outfielder Jackson Beaman led it off in the fourth with a home run to left center, his second of the series. Junior utility player Caleb Wulf kept the momentum going into the fifth inning when he bunted in a run to make it 3–1 in favor of Iowa. Finally, senior utility player Mitch Wood singled in the sixth to give Iowa the 4–1 lead.
However, the Cougs would not go quietly into the night, as junior outfielder Logan Johnstone ripped a double down the right field line to make it 4–2 in the sixth. Junior outfielder Max Hartman built on the momentum in the next inning, sending a solo homer to right center.
Johnstone was not content with just one RBI as he sent a double into the left-center gap in the eighth inning to drive in two runs and give the Cougs the 5–4 lead. Junior infielder Luke Thiele put the nail in the coffin by singling in the eight to allow the Cougs to soar away with the 6–4 come-from-behind win.
Southpaw pitcher Nick Lewis got the start and went 5.2 innings only allowing six hits and four runs to score. Freshman Gabe Schneider and sophomore Rylan Haider both went 1.2 innings and closed out the game without allowing any additional runs.
Ever since picking up their first win of the season against Iowa, the Cougs have continued to find ways to win games against the Hawkeyes. Their bullpen has put up three straight quality starts and their relievers have been successful in closing out tight games. At the plate, the Cougs found consistency and continued to provide crucial run support in their three games against Iowa.
The Cougars have an opportunity to sweep the series against the Hawkeyes before returning to the Palouse for their home opener against Seattle University. WSU will play their final game against Iowa at La Moderna Field on Sunday at 10 a.m.
