Cougars Drop Doubleheader at Alabama

Friday, February 23

Tuscaloosa, AL

12:00 PM

Washington State University

2-4

Alabama

5-0

Washington State

Alabama

Photo by: Robert Sutton (Alabama Athletics)

February 23, 2018 | Baseball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Game 1 Box Score Game 2 Box Score

By: Washington State Athletic Communications

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Washington State dropped both games of a doubleheader 12-4 and 8-2 to Alabama at Sewell-Thomas Stadium Friday. The Cougars jumped out to early leads in both games but the Crimson Tide (5-0) came back in the middle innings to take the first two games of the series. In the opener, WSU received three hits from shortstop Andres Alvarez and a two-run home run from first baseman James Rudkin before designated hitter Blake Clanton hit a two-run homer in the opening frame of game two.

GAME 1 RECAP
The Cougars struck first, receiving two-run home run from James Rudkin in the fourth inning for a 2-0 lead. One inning later, the Crimson Tide got to Cougar starter Isaac Mullins for three runs, all with two outs. Alabama put up another six runs in the fifth inning, getting a three-run homer before adding three more for a 9-2 lead.

In the sixth, Washington State cut the lead to 9-4 with a pair of bases-loaded walks by Alvarez and Plew. Alabama used three hits to score three more in the seventh to put the game out of reach. Alabama scored 12 runs off of 16 hits and 10 WSU walks. Cougar's starter Isaac Mullins went four innings, allowed four earned runs on six hits and struck out three.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE – GAME 1
James Rudkin hit his first career home run, has reached base in all six games
Andres Alvarez recorded three hits, his second 3-hit game of the season, 4th multiple-hit game
JJ Hancock recorded two hits for the second time in the last three games
Jack Smith had two hits to record his first career multiple-hit game
Collin Montez and Brody Barnum each recorded their first career hits

GAME 2 RECAP
Washington State jumped out to the early lead as Clanton hit a two-run shot to right-centerfield in the opening frame. The Crimson Tide scored a run in the first and added two more in the second inning on two hits and an error. Cougar starter Cody Anderson settled in and posted scoreless third and fourth innings before the Crimson Tide pushed three runs across in the fifth inning after an error, two hit-by-pitches and two hits to push the lead to 6-2.

Alabama added two more runs in the eighth inning and finished with eight runs on 11 eights and took advantage of three hit batters and two WSU errors. Anderson worked 5.2 innings, allowed six runs but just one earned on seven hits.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE – GAME 2
Collin Montez (LF) made his first career start.
Blake Clanton hit his fourth career home run.
Cody Anderson matched a career-high with seven strikeouts.
Davis Baillie worked 1.2 innings out of the bullpen and struck out three.
Jack Smith singled in the 6^thand has a hit in four straight games.
James Rudkin and Danny Sinatro have each reached base in all six games in 2018.

UP NEXT
The Cougars will wrap up their season-opening eight-game road trip with a single game against Alabama Saturday at 11 a.m. (PT).

MOMENTS OF DAY

All gray combo for today's doubleheader at Alabama!#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/hLx7ErpW0n
— WSU Baseball (@Cougbaseball) February 23, 2018

BOOM! James Rudkin goes big fly to left field for a 2-run shot! The first of his career! 2-0 Cougs in the 3rd at Alabama#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/z9BkQoWGB6
— WSU Baseball (@Cougbaseball) February 23, 2018

Nice grab by Danny Sinatro in left centerfield!#GoCougs #WebGem pic.twitter.com/TXT2QfQeLM
— WSU Baseball (@Cougbaseball) February 23, 2018

VIDEO - Clanton's first homer of the year is a good one!#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/ApGmNgLYjH
— WSU Baseball (@Cougbaseball) February 24, 2018

Another nice defensive play turned in by Dillon Plew at 3rd base!#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/TLAQOYPDV2
— WSU Baseball (@Cougbaseball) February 24, 2018

Strike-em-out! Throw-em-out!

Anderson fires a scoreless 3rd inning!#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/qSyVLTcZOC
— WSU Baseball (@Cougbaseball) February 24, 2018