PULLMAN, Wash. (Interstat) — The Gonzaga Bulldogs unleashed a relentless offensive barrage, pounding out 20 hits to rout the Washington State Cougars 16-8 in a nonconference baseball game Tuesday night at Bailey-Brayton Field.

The most important part of the game came in the top of the fifth inning, as Gonzaga responded decisively after Washington State had clawed back into contention. The Cougars, trailing 4-2, had erupted for four runs in the bottom of the fourth, capped by a two-run homer from Max Hartman, to take a 6-4 lead and seize momentum.

Gonzaga answered immediately in its next turn. Leadoff hitter Sanchez walked, and Mikey Bell followed by launching a two-run homer to right field, his fourth hit in his last five at-bats dating to his previous game, to tie the score at 6-6. The Bulldogs were far from done. They proceeded to load the bases before Jacob Wrubleski cleared them with a two-run double, part of a five-run frame that put Gonzaga ahead for good at 9-6. The inning saw three Washington State pitchers and typified the Bulldogs’ persistent pressure, which included capitalizing on a critical error by Cougars first baseman Priest.

Bell, the top star for Gonzaga, finished 3 for 5 with the home run, two RBIs, three runs scored and a stolen base. He led an offense that saw nine different players record a hit. Noah Meffert drove in three runs on a 4-for-5 night, while Wrubleski walked twice and drove in three runs despite only two official at-bats. Bo Shinkle also added two RBIs.

Washington State struck first, using a two-run triple from Mason Pirello in the first inning to take an early 2-0 lead. Hartman’s two-run shot in the fourth gave the Cougars their brief advantage, and he finished 2 for 5 with two RBIs. Pirello also had two hits and two RBIs.

The Bulldogs, however, continued to extend their lead, adding four more runs in the sixth inning and single runs in the seventh and eighth to pull away. Gonzaga sent 10 batters to the plate in the sixth, with Meffert delivering a two-run single.

Pitching was a struggle for both sides. Gonzaga starter Zachary Bowman lasted only 3 1/3 innings, allowing four earned runs. Reliever Mickey McClaskey was credited with the win despite giving up three earned runs in 3 2/3 innings of work. Michael Cunneely and Bo combined to finish the game. Washington State used eight pitchers, with starter Brock Cross providing one of the few bright spots with a scoreless ninth inning.

The victory improved Gonzaga’s season record to 24-14, while Washington State fell to 21-20. The Bulldogs have now won four straight games and nine of their last ten. The teams have combined for 35 runs in each of their two meetings this season, with Gonzaga winning 19-8 in Spokane on March 24. They are scheduled to meet again in Spokane on May 4.

Gonzaga will open a West Coast Conference series at home against Loyola Marymount on Friday. Washington State will begin a three-game set against New Mexico at home on Friday.