Eli Morgan pitches Gonzaga past No. 18 BYU

Eli Morgan turned in another exceptional start and Gonzaga (29-17, 18-7) beat visiting No. 18 BYU (33-16, 20-5) 10-2 on Thursday in the first of a three-game West Coast Conference series on Thursday.

Morgan allowed two runs on eight hits and three walks with 10 strikeouts over 7 2/3 innings, throwing 80 of his 130 pitches for strikes.

The win secures a berth for the Zags in the WCC Championship playoffs.

A sweep of the three-game set would give the Zags a share of the conference title and the top seed in the WCC tournament. BYU needs just one win this weekend to secure the WCC crown.

Jake Vieth went 3 for 4 with a run and two RBIs while Justin Jacobs went 2 for 4 with two runs and an RBI.

The Zags put up six runs in the third inning against BYU starter Maverik Buffo, who surrendered nine runs on nine hits and four walks in three innings.

The series resumes on Friday at 6 p.m.