Big Inning Costs Cougars

PULLMAN, Wash. – USC scored six times in the eighth inning and the 24th-ranked Trojans beat host Washington State 7-1 in Pac-12 Conference baseball at Bailey-Brayton Field, Sunday.

With the victory, USC (24-21, 13-11 Pac-12) avoided a sweep at the hands of Washington State (20-23, 10-11 Pac-12).

The Cougars got on the board first with a run in the second inning. P.J. Jones led off the frame with a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice by Ian Sagdal. Jones moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on an infield single by Ben Roberts with two outs.

The Trojans tied the game in the fifth on a double and a single. In the eighth, USC loaded the bases with a double and two walks against Washington State starter Tanner Chleborad (2-6). Kellen Camus came on in relief and issued a walk to force in the go-ahead run. The Trojans added a pair of singles, a sacrifice fly and a double to account for the half dozen runs and a 7-1 lead. Jeff Paschke (3-3) pitched the seventh and was the beneficiary of the offense to pick up the win in relief.

The Cougars continue their homestand when Utah comes to town for a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m.