Bears Rebound, Knot Series In Palouse

PULLMAN, Wash. – California struck early and often offensively and earned a 16-4 win over Washington State in game two of a Pac-12 baseball doubleheader on Friday at Bailey-Brayton Field.
 
After managing just one run on three hits in a series-opening 4-1 loss earlier in the day, the Golden Bears (17-17, 8-9 Pac-12) scored in all but two innings throughout the backend of the doubleheader, including 12 runs between the sixth and ninth innings to pull away.
 
Dom Souto (3-for-5) tallied a career-high seven runs batted in while Nathan Manning (1-for-2, three walks, four RBI) smacked his second home run of the season. Cal drew a season-high 13 walks as a team – Manning, Trevor Tishenkel and Dylan Beavers drew three apiece – and recorded five extra-base hits in the blowout. The 13 walks drawn were Cal's most in a game since April 21, 2017 against USC.
 
The offensive output was critical as Cal starter Joseph King worked only one inning on the mound before a call to the bullpen was made for Josh White. It was the shortest outing of the season for King, who left the game after striking out a pair and allowing one run on two hits. White (1-4) delivered the performance Cal needed, tossing 5.2 innings for his first win of the year. The right-hander posted five scoreless frames before getting into trouble in a three-run seventh; he struck out four and allowed three runs on three hits and three walks.
 
Caleb Lomavita tripled home Hance Smith to open the scoring in the top of the first. The Cougars responded with one run of their own in the home half, only to see Cal regain the lead for good on a two-run home run by Manning in the top of the second. Souto recorded all seven of his RBI from the sixth inning on while Cal drew four bases-loaded walks in the same span.
 
Souto's seven RBI were the most by a Bear in a single game since Nathan Martorella drove in seven against Saint Mary's on March 4, 2021.
 
Both Christian Becerra and Nick Proctor appeared in relief, combining for two scoreless innings at the end of the contest.
 
UP NEXT
Cal and Washington State will clash once more in a series-ending rubber match on Saturday. First pitch has been moved up to 11 a.m. PDT due to expected inclement weather in the Palouse.
 
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