From staff report
On Friday night at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles, Gonzaga University gave up a two-run lead late in the opening game and gave up three runs in the eighth inning of an 8-7 loss to 22nd place UCLA in a non-conference match. I smoked it.
The Bulldogs scored three runs in the sixth inning to take a 6-5 lead, and added another run on a passed ball in the top of the eighth. However, Gonzaga's relievers allowed two singles, two walks, and a double in the second half of the inning, leaving the Bulldogs with a runner on second base in the ninth inning.
Gonzaga defeated the Bruins 9-8, but the Bulldogs stranded eight runners and allowed eight UCLA walks.
Second baseman Hudson Shupe, a transfer from Seattle University, had 3 hits and 3 RBIs in his Zags debut. He led off the game with a home run.
Reliever Daniel Sotelo suffered a loss. He allowed three runs in one inning. Gonzaga University's starting pitcher Liam Paddack allowed two hits and three runs in three innings, striking out five.
Washington State University 12, Utah Tech 6: Nathan Choate won his first game as coach of the Cougars, defeating the Trail Blazers at Bruce Hurst Field in St. George, Utah.
Veteran catcher Jacob Morrow, third baseman Cole Kramer and outfielder Kasen Taggart each hit home runs, and the Cougars had 18 hits with just three strikeouts.
Taggart, a rookie from junior college, and Kramer combined for six hits, five RBIs, and eight RBIs.
Senior right-hander Grant Taylor recorded the win, giving up 10 hits, five runs, and striking out three in five innings.
Whitworth 18, Occidental 2 (8): The Pirates started the season with an impressive offensive output, racking up 19 hits in a rout of the Tigers at Anderson Field in Los Angeles.
Outfielder Elijah Tanner paced the Pirates with four hits, totaling eight extra-base hits. Catcher Aaron Clogston and first baseman Henry Zaske hit home runs for Whitworth, giving Whitworth an 11-0 lead in the fifth inning of a game that went dark after eight innings.
Senior right-hander Hunter Dryden, a Deer Park product, earned the victory. He struck out seven batters in five scoreless innings.
