Gonzaga, Washington State Set for Midweek Clash

PULLMAN, Wash. (Interstat) — The Gonzaga Bulldogs visit the Washington State Cougars in a nonconference baseball game Tuesday at Bailey–Brayton Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. PDT.

Gonzaga (23-14) enters riding a three-game winning streak after sweeping a weekend series at Saint Mary’s. The Bulldogs’ bullpen has been a strength, highlighted by reliever Joseph Thornton. Over his last four appearances spanning 8.2 innings, the right-hander has allowed just one earned run while striking out 16 batters. He threw 3.1 perfect innings with five strikeouts in Sunday’s 6-5 win.

Washington State (21-19) is coming off a series win at UNLV, taking two of three games. The Cougars’ offense is powered by first baseman Ryan Skjonsby, who is on a torrid pace. In his last 10 games, Skjonsby is batting .452 (14-for-31) with three home runs and 15 RBIs. He went 3 for 4 with two homers in Sunday’s 9-8 victory.

The Bulldogs won the previous meeting this season, 19-8, in Spokane on March 24.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Tuesday’s contest projects to be a high-scoring affair, with a predicted final of Gonzaga 8, Washington State 7.

Both teams resume conference play this weekend. Gonzaga hosts Loyola Marymount in a West Coast Conference series starting Friday. Washington State opens a three-game set at home against New Mexico in Pac-12 play on Friday.

The in-state rivals are scheduled to meet again in Spokane on Monday, May 4.