Long Beach State mustered five scattered hits in the opener against Washington State, falling 9-0 in the series opener.

Matt Way did lead the way for Washington State, pitching eight innings and scattering four hits while striking out eight. Long Beach State was able to get a runner to third in each of the first three innings, the first coming after Tre Dennis singled and stole second and third in the bottom of the first, but the Dirtbags were never able to break through, and once Way reached the fourth inning he would allow just one more hit.

Jake Thompson started out sharp for the Dirtbags, striking out two in the first inning, but would give up a run in the second inning on a solo home run to Alex Burg. Burg would cause more damage in the fourth inning. With one run already home on three Cougar singles, Burg hit his second home run of the night, again to center field to put Washington State ahead 5-0.

The Cougars would add three more runs in the fifth, moving out to an 8-0 lead that would prove insurmountable.

Turning to the bullpen, Long Beach State’s relievers combined to pitch four and two-thirds innings while allowing just one more additional run, coming in the ninth.

The Dirtbags face off with Washington State again tomorrow at Blair Field. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Report By LBSU