Cougars drop game one against Gonzaga

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.