BERKELEY, Calif. – Chris Paul drove in three runs and starter Matt Ladrech worked seven strong innings as No. 12 California avoided a series sweep with a 6-2 victory over Washington State Saturday at Evans Diamond.
The Cougars (14-16, 3-9), which won the first two games by a combined score of 8-2, opened the scoring in the first on a sacrifice fly from Cameron Frost, scoring Derek Chapman, who reached on a fielder's choice and moved to third on Ian Sagdal's single.
Cal (21-9, 8-4) even the score in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Chris Paul, capitalizing on a Cougar error that prolonged the inning. The Golden Bears took the lead for good in the third, again taking advantage of a leadoff error that lead to a pair of unearned runs. Cougar third baseman Shane Matheny misplayed Preston Grand Pre's grounder to open the inning, then scored ahead of Aaron Knapp on a single from Paul for the 3-1 lead.
Cal extended the margin to 6-1 in the fifth as Brett Cumberland had a two-run double and Max Dutto added an RBI single. The Cougars closed out the scoring in the seventh on Tyler McDowell's RBI single that scored Matheny.
Matt Ladrech started for Cal and worked seven innings, allowing two runs on five hits as he improved to 5-3 for the year. At the plate, Paul went three-for-four with three RBI to lead Cal.
WSU starter Matt Bower (5-2) suffered the loss as he went 2 2/3 innings, surrendering three runs, all unearned, on three hits with two strikeouts. McDowell had a pair of singles and an RBI for WSU while Wes Hatten improved his season-best hitting streak to six.
The Cougars return to Pullman to begin a nine-game homestand Tuesday when they host Gonzaga. First pitch from Bailey-Brayton Field is scheduled for 6 p.m.