Box Score
 
BERKELEY, Calif. – Washington State dropped a 12-2 Pac-12 Conference contest in the series-opener at California Friday evening.
 
The Cougars (14-9, 1-3 Pac-12) received two hits from junior third baseman Shane Matheny who also drove in two runs. California improved to 10-13 overall and 2-5 in conference play after scoring four runs in the first inning, all with two outs and later added two runs in the third and three more in the fourth inning.
 
Washington State left 13 baserunners on base including two in the first inning and the bases loaded in the fifth and seventh innings. The Golden Bears collected 12 hits and received six scoreless innings from starter Jared Horn.
 
Junior first baseman James Rudkin reached on a fielder's choice in the first inning to extend his on-base streak to 20 straight games. Matheny doubled in two runs in the eighth inning.
 
The series continues Saturday at 6 p.m.