Zags complete torrid homestand

Anthony Synegal ripped three hits, including a double and run-scoring single in the sixth inning, to help Gonzaga University close out its successful nine-game homestand with a 3-2 non-conference baseball win over Utah at Washington Trust Field on Wednesday afternoon.

Synegal accounted for half of GU’s hits as the Bulldogs (15-6) avenged Tuesday night’s 16-9 loss to the Utes (9-12) to finish 8-1 in their extended homestand.

The Zags spotted Utah a 2-0 lead in the fifth, but they tied the game an inning later on Synegal’s RBI single and a bases-loaded walk to Grant Kveder. They won it in the eighth when Ryan Wiegand, batting with the bases loaded, was hit by a pitch.

GU starter, freshman Tyler Olson, pitched 51/3 strong innings, but sophomore reliever Cody Martin picked up the win by striking out three and holding Utah hitless over the final 12/3 innings.

The Bulldogs open West Coast Conference play at the University of San Francisco on Friday.

Softball

Lacey Kerr drove in three runs with a double and home run to lead Whitworth to an 8-2 win over La Sierra in the first of two games the Pirates played in the Sun West Tournament in Anaheim, Calif.

The Bucs (5-11) lost their second game, 6-2 to fourth-ranked St. Thomas (Minn.), despite four more hits from Kerr.

Tennis

Eastern Washington’s Kyle Schraeder was named the Big Sky Conference Player of the Week after leading the Eagles to a 5-2 win over Lewis-Clark State and a 7-0 triumph over Bethany (Kan.) on Sunday.