In a tightly contested game that came down to late execution, Washington State beat Gardner-Webb 3-2 Thursday at Bailey-Brayton Field.

The Cougars leaned on steady pitching and timely hitting including scoring the go-ahead run in the eighth inning to secure the win.

Both teams opened the game with limited offense. Washington State starter Nick Lewis and Gardner-Webb’s Oliver Ellison controlled the early innings.

Washington State broke through in the second inning when outfielder Dustin Robinson launched a solo home run to deep center field, giving the Cougars a 1-0 lead.

“Swing has been feeling really good and I’m just trying to stick with my approach and keep it simple and it worked out in that at-bat.” Robinson said.

The Bulldogs responded in the fifth inning after a pair of doubles set up the opportunity. Shortstop Allan Camarillo delivered an RBI single to tie the game at 1-1.

The Cougars answered immediately in the bottom half. Wazzu shortstop Kyler Northrop tripled to right-center field and scored on an RBI single by Gavin Roy to regain a 2-1 lead.

Gardner-Webb tied the game again in the seventh, capitalizing on a defensive miscue. A throwing error allowed a run to score and even the game at 2-2 despite no RBI credited on the play.

With the game tied late, Washington State found a moment in the eighth inning. Robinson doubled down the left field line, and Ryan Skjonsby followed with an RBI single to bring him home for the go-ahead run.

On the mound, Lewis delivered a strong outing, allowing only one earned over eight innings to earn the win. August Richie closed the game with a scoreless ninth to record the save.

Robinson led the Cougars at the plate with three hits, including a home run and two doubles, while Skjonsby added two hits and the game-winning RBI.

Washington State improved to 16-17 with the victory, while Gardner-Webb dropped to 16-18. The Cougs take on game two in the series at 4:05 pm Friday on Baily-Brayton Field.