SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Washington State brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning but the Santa Clara bullpen held off the late rally for a 4-2 win Friday evening. The series is tied 1-1 after the Cougars claimed Thursday's series-opener 10-0.
Andres Alvarez and Garrett Gouldsmith each recorded two hits and Kyle Manzardo had a two-run double. The Cougars left nine men on base throughout the game including runners on second and third in the seventh and a runner on second in the ninth.
In the first inning, the Cougars caught a break as the Santa Clara right fielder lost an Alvarez fly ball in the twilight sky, allowing the ball to fall for a double.