PROVO, Utah – The BYU baseball team fell 4-2 in 11 innings against Gonzaga in the Cougars' West Coast Conference opener at Larry H. Miller Field on Thursday.

"A play here and a play there just made the difference," BYU head coach Mike Littlewood said. "They gave us a chance and we just couldn't answer it."

BYU vs. Gonzaga Box Score

Game Summary

• A routine fly ball that would've ended the game in the ninth dropped harmlessly in front of the first baseman to give BYU the game-tying run
• A two-run double to right field put the Bulldogs on top 4-2 in the top of the 11th
• A home run to right field by Jackson Cluff in the fourth gave BYU the first run of the game
• Noah Hill recorded a hit in the seventh inning to extend his hit streak to 12 games

Player Highlights

• Jackson Cluff: 2-5, HR, RBI, R
• Jordan Wood: 6.2 IP, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• Reid McLaughlin: 3.1 IP, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

Sophomore Jackson Cluff was the first batter to step up to the plate in the bottom of the fourth inning, hitting his second homer of the year to right field on the first pitch to put the Cougars on top 1-0.

The Bulldogs scored to even the game at after a groundout to second base sent a runner home.

Senior Jordan Wood went 6.2 innings with just one run and two strikeouts before being replaced by freshman Reid McLaughlin in the top of the seventh with two outs on the board and a runner on third. On his first pitch, McLaughlin made a quick move to pick up a bunted ground ball and get the runner out at first for out number three and keep Gonzaga from putting another run on the board.

The Bulldogs took a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning after a line drive down the middle scored a run.

With sophomore Mitch McIntyre on second and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, a routine pop up by freshman Carson Matthews looked to be the game-ending out, but the Gonzaga first baseman misjudged the play and the ball hit the ground, enabling McIntyre to score and tie the game. 

However, a two-run double to right field put the Bulldogs on top 4-2 in the top of the 11th inning, ultimately giving Gonzaga the win.

The Cougars return to Miller Field for game two of the three-game series against Gonzaga on Friday, Mar. 15, at 6 p.m. MDT. The game will be streamed live on TheW.tv.

PROVO, Utah - Off to its second-best start in program history, the BYU baseball team opens West Coast Conference play hosting Gonzaga, the reigning WCC champions. 

At 12-3, BYU is off to its best start since going 14-1 in 2016. The Cougars are currently on a six-game win streak and have won 10 of their last 11 games.

BYU Game Notes - Gonzaga

BYU has played solid on offense and defense - the Cougars are currently 35th in the nation with a .296 batting average and No. 27 with an ERA of 2.98.

Sophomore third baseman Jackson Cluff earned the Cougars’ first WCC Player of the Week award for his efforts against UVU and Milwaukee last week. Cluff batted .600 with nine hits, including two doubles and two triples, to go with seven RBIs, six runs, two walks and two stolen bases.

Starting for the Cougars on Thursday will be senior Jordan Wood who is 2-0 in four starts with a 1.88 ERA. Junior right-hander Jarod Lessar will start game two; he's 2-1 with a 5.28 ERA. Sophomore Justin Sterner will start game three with a record of 3-1 and a 1.77 ERA.

BYU vs. Gonzaga Game 1
Thursday, March 14
6 p.m. MT
Miller Field
TheW.tv, BYU Radio
$1 Drinks and Flavor Bar

BYU vs. Gonzaga Game 2
Friday, March 15
6 p.m. MT
Miller Field
TheW.tv, BYU Radio, ESPN 960

BYU vs. Gonzaga Game 3
Saturday, March 16
1 p.m. MT
Miller Field
TheW.tv, BYU Radio, ESPN 960
$1 Cougar Tails