NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Washington State dropped a 4-1 contest to Stephen F. Austin in the 2015 season opener for both teams, Friday at Jaycees Field.
The Lumberjacks struck in the bottom of the first as Matthew Dickey led off with a single and was tripled home by Nick Ramos. Ramos later scored off an RBI single from Connor Fikes, giving SFA the 2-0 lead.
The lead was extended to 4-0 following single runs in the third and fourth, the first coming on a double-steal with Garrett McMullen scoring and the latter the result of WSU's first of two errors on the evening. That was enough for Lumberjacks starter Cameron Gann, who picked up the win after allowing one run on one hit while striking out seven over five innings of work.
Cougar starter Sean Hartnett (0-1) lasted just three innings after the senior surrendered three runs on five hits while striking out six.
The Cougars found the scoreboard in the fifth as Shane Matheny doubled-home Tyler McDowell from first on WSU's first hit of the game. WSU threatened again in the seventh, loading the bases on a pair of walks and a Matheny single, but left them stranded following back-to-back strikeouts by reliever Patrick Ledet.
“I think we played tight tonight,” said WSU Head Coach Donnie Marbut. “We couldn't control their leadoff hitters all game but we had our chances and didn't take advantage of them. We learned a lot and will play much better tomorrow.”
One bright spot for the Cougars was the bullpen, which did not surrender an earned run on the night as Sam Triece, Scotty Sunitsch and Sam Boone allowed five hits and struck out five over five innings of work. In all WSU pitchers struck out 11 and allowed just one walk.
The Cougars continue play at the Stephen F. Austin Tipton Ford Classic when they face Texas-Arlington at 1 p.m. PT, Saturday.
--www.wsucougars.com--
