Nevada lost the opening game of its baseball series against Washington State on March 27, falling 12-6 at Bailey-Brayton Field in Pullman.
The result leaves Nevada with a record of 14-9 overall and 4-3 in Mountain West play. The loss came after Washington State took an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning and adding five more in the second. This put Nevada at a significant disadvantage that it could not overcome during the rest of the game.
Washington State capitalized early by loading the bases against Nevada starter Alessandro Castro through a combination of singles and a walk. The Cougars used an infield single, sacrifice fly, and two squeeze bunts to score four runs in the first inning. Castro exited with one out in the second after allowing additional runs and was charged with his second loss of the season.
Jacob Doyle provided a highlight for Nevada with his eighth home run of the season—a solo shot in the fourth inning. Doyle finished two-for-five at bat. Mikey Cruz Jr. contributed by hitting two doubles, while Lee Matsuzaki and Jake Harvey each drove in two runs for Nevada.
Nick Lewis started for Washington State and earned his third win by pitching seven innings and allowing just four runs (three earned). Matt Priest led Washington State offensively with three hits and four runs batted in.
Nevada will attempt to even up the series when play resumes Saturday afternoon.
