Trojans Take Game Two From WSU In Los Angeles

Saturday, March 18

Los Angeles, Calif.

2:00 PM

Washington State University

10-7, 0-2

USC

12-6, 2-0

Washington State

USC

March 18, 2017 | Baseball

Box Score March 18 Box at USC

By: Washington State Athletic Communications

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Washington State dropped a 4-2 decision at USC Saturday afternoon.

Sophomore catcher Cory Meyer and junior designated hitter Blake Clanton each recorded two hits and drove in the for Cougars (10-7). USC improved to 12-6 after jumping out to an early 3-0 lead with two runs in the second and one in the third. The Cougars put runners on base throughout the day but couldn't get the big hit, leaving10 men on base including bases loaded situations to end the fourth and seventh innings.

Junior starting pitcher Ryan Walker pitched well but suffered the loss after allowing three earned runs on six hits and struck out three in five innings.

USC used three hits two push two runs across in the second inning as a hit dropped in for a two-out two-run double down the left field line. The Trojans scored another run in the third with a two-out RBI-single for a 3-0 lead.

The Cougars came back with a run in the fourth on a Clanton two-out RBI double. Meyer singled to left to start the inning and two batters later, Clanton hammered a 1-1 pitch off the wall in center to score Meyer. Andres Alvarez and Derek Chapman both followed with walks but USC ended the bases-loaded threat with a strikeout.

Washington State made a couple nice defensive plays in the fifth inning as Matheny charged a slow-hit ground ball and threw on the run to get the out at first and Justin Harrer later made his second diving catch of the afternoon in left field. WSU got the final out of the inning on a nice relay as a USC runner tried to score from first on a double down the left field line but Dillon Plew's relay throw to Meyer at the plate arrived at the same time as the runner began his slide. The runner beat the throw but the umpires ruled that there was too much of a collision between Meyer and the runner was called out.

The Cougars got a run back in the seventh inning as Plew drew a one-out walk and Matheny doubled to right field to set up second and third. James Rudkin walked to load the bases for Meyer who pulled an 0-1 pitch through the left side to score Plew. The Trojan bullpen held though, striking out the next two hitters to strand three more WSU baserunners and keep the lead at 3-2.

USC added a run in the eighth inning with an RBI single that pushed the lead to 4-2.

The series wraps up Sunday at 11 a.m. on the Pac-12 Network. Junior lefthander Cody Anderson will start for the Cougars.

GAME NOTES… Shane Matheny extended his hitting streak to 10 games…James Rudkin has reached base in 14 straight games…Cory Meyer has reach base in nine straight games.