A late rally fell short for WSU against Saint Mary’s College at Bailey-Brayton field on Friday.

Redshirt-sophomore left-hander Isaac Mullins got the start for the Cougars and was in trouble early. He got out of a bases-loaded jam in the first inning because of freshman infielder Jack Smith making a diving double-play, as well as a strikeout.

Mullins was getting out of trouble all day in his career-long start of five and one-third innings. The Gaels started the scoring as they scored one run in the second inning.

The game stayed at 1-0 until the bottom of the fourth inning when junior infielder Andres Alvarez scored on a sacrifice fly hit by senior outfielder Blake Clanton. Sophomore infielder Dillon Plew later scored from second on an infield single by Smith, extending his hit-streak to seven games.

WSU held the 2-1 lead until a two-run double in the sixth inning by Saint Mary’s. The Cougars fought back in the bottom half of the sixth when senior outfielder JJ Hancock hit an RBI double to deep centerfield.

3-3 remained the score until the top of the ninth inning when Saint Mary’s scored on a ball down the third-base line just over the outstretched arm of Plew.

The Cougars had the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning with one out and Smith coming up to the plate. Smith hit a ground ball to the Gaels shortstop who attempted to make a double play.

Smith beat out the throw to first, scoring the run and tying the game. However, interference was called on the runner sliding into second, automatically making Smith out at first, ending the game.

WSU lost 4-3 to Saint Mary’s College, evening the series at 1-1.

The third game of the series is at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bailey-Brayton field.