NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Andy Cheray threw seven shutout innings as Missouri State posted a 12-0 shutout over Washington State Sunday on the final day of the SFA Tipton Ford Classic.

With the loss the Cougars fall to 1-2 on the season while the Bears improve to 3-0.

Missouri State started strong, posting three runs in the bottom of the first as they capitalized on four singles, the last by Eric Cheray, which drove home two. MSU added four more in the fourth as three more singles and a WSU error accounted for the scoring.

That was enough for MSU starter Andy Cheray, who allowed just two hits over seven innings while striking out four to earn the win.

WSU starter Joe Pistorese suffered the loss as he went 1 1/3 innings, surrendering three runs on four hits while walking one. He was one of six Cougar pitchers on the afternoon that allowed MSU 12 runs on 13 hits, all singles, nine walks with eight strikeouts.

The Bears put the game away in the sixth as they added five more runs, highlighted by two-run singles from Spencer Johnson and Matt Fultz, off Cougar relievers Sam Boone and Drew Lunde.

Offensively, WSU struggled at the plate as it managed two singles, one each by P.J. Jones and Ian Sagdal, on the afternoon.

“We got exposed today by a good veteran team,” said WSU Head Coach Donnie Marbut. “If we have the character I think we have we will bounce back and play much better tomorrow.”

The Cougars conclude their four-game Texas swing with a single game at Stephen F. Austin Monday. Game time is set for 4:30 p.m. PT.

--wsucougars.com--