Nevada secured a 5-4 victory over Washington State on March 28 at Bailey-Brayton Field in Pullman, evening the weekend baseball series between the two teams.
The result sets up a decisive game for the series on Sunday. Nevada overcame an early three-run deficit, with Mahiro Tomita earning his first win of the season after settling down following a difficult first inning. Tomita struck out two batters and allowed just three runs through six innings.
Ryan Oakes and Andres Castro combined in relief to hold off Washington State’s attempts at a comeback. Castro entered in the eighth inning with bases loaded and two outs, retiring Kyler Northrop to preserve Nevada’s lead. In the ninth, after Jayce Dobie hit a solo home run for Nevada, Washington State managed another run but left the tying run stranded as Castro closed out the game by inducing Ollie Obenour to line out.
Offensively, Mikey Cruz Jr. started Nevada’s rally with an RBI double in the second inning. A three-run third inning gave Nevada control of the game, highlighted by Jack Metcho’s leadoff double followed by hits from Rominic Quiban and Dobie. Sean Yamaguchi added what proved to be the go-ahead RBI single later that inning.
Dobie led Nevada with two hits and two RBIs during Saturday’s contest. The team now holds a record of 15-9 overall and 5-2 in Mountain West play.
