SEATTLE – Ian Hamilton stuck out three in the ninth en route to his WSU-record 25th-career save as Washington State shutout Washington 3-0, in a nonconference game at Husky Ballpark Monday night.

The Washington State (24-19) pitching staff had little trouble against the Huskies hurling a three-hit gem while recording 14 strikeouts. Ryan Walker set the tone early working 4 2/3 innings of two-hit baseball, striking out five, before giving way to relievers Layne Bruner and Sean Hartnett. Bruner and Hartnett worked a combined 3 1/3 innings of no-hit baseball recording six strikeouts, before Hamilton closed the door in the ninth striking out the side after loading the bases. The save marks the 10th of the season for the sophomore and moves gives him sole possession of first place on the WSU all-time career saves list passing Reed Rainey (24).

The Cougars got on the board early using a walk, ground-rule double and fielder's choice to take a 1-0 advantage in the third. P.J. Jones started the rally drawing a leadoff walk before advancing to third on a laced ground-rule double to right-center by Shea Donlin. Jones came around to score on an RBI fielder's choice by Jack Strunc.

Washington State added two insurance runs in the seventh with aggressive base running and timely hits. Ian Sagdal led the charge drawing a four-pitch leadoff walk, stole second and third before coming around to score on an RBI single off the bat of Shane Matheny. Matheny had little trouble scoring on an infield single by Jones, after advancing to second on a passed ball and stealing third.

Washington State returns home to open a six-game homestand, hosting Arizona in a three-game set starting Friday, May 1.

 --wsucougars.com--