Rain Expected as Pilots, Cougars Set for Monday Clash

PULLMAN, Wash. (Interstat) — The Portland Pilots and Washington State Cougars are scheduled for a nonconference afternoon matchup Monday at Bailey–Brayton Field, though forecasts of rain and 59-degree temperatures could impact the evening proceedings.

The Pilots (20-13) arrive after a high-scoring, back-and-forth series at Gonzaga, culminating in an 11-12 loss on Sunday. Portland will look to rebound behind a player to watch: right-hander William Labonte. Over his last four starts, Labonte has been dominant at times, pitching 6.0 no-hit innings with six strikeouts in a win over Seattle on April 4. However, he is coming off a tough outing against Gonzaga on April 11, allowing four earned runs over six innings.

The Washington State Cougars (18-17) enter having taken two of three from Gardner-Webb last weekend. Their player to watch, right-hander Luke Meyers, delivered a strong performance in Saturday’s 5-3 win, tossing 6.0 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. Meyers has shown flashes of brilliance this season, including a 6.0-inning, three-hit shutout performance against Grand Canyon on March 22.

Portland holds the better overall record, but Washington State has been stronger at home recently. The Cougars’ Trevor Smith, who homered in Saturday’s victory, provides a key bat in the lineup.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-5 victory for Washington State.

Following this single-game set, Portland begins a West Coast Conference homestand against San Francisco on Friday. Washington State hits the road for a midweek game at Utah Tech on Wednesday before a weekend series at UNLV.

Editor’s Note: This preview is based on information provided and simulated data. Game time and conditions are subject to change due to weather.