Fresno State Hands Cougars 17th Defeat
Joe Pease and Jeff Prieto each had three hits and drove in two runs Wednesday as the Fresno State baseball team handed Washington State its third straight loss, 9-4 in Fresno, Calif.
The Cougars’ (2-17) only scoring came courtesy of Steve Curran, who belted a grand slam home run in the eighth inning. Curran finished with two hits, as did Greg Mitchell and Steve Gleason.
Curran’s blast pulled WSU within 6-4, but the Bulldogs answered with three runs in their half of the eighth to forge a 9-4 advantage.
Todd Belitz (0-3) started for WSU and worked six innings before Les McTavish came on in relief in the seventh. Mike Schneider closed out the eighth inning.
Kirk Griffin (2-1) started for the Bulldogs (19-12) and worked seven strong innings before tiring in the eighth. He struck out eight and walked two before giving way to Casey Rowe, who struck out five WSU batters over the final two innings.
The Bulldogs collected 13 hits off three WSU pitchers.
Washington State returns to action Friday at Lewis-Clark State in a 6 p.m. game at Harris Field in Lewiston.
The Cougars then will play host to LCSC in single games Saturday and Sunday at Bailey Field.
Southern California College used a four-run fourth inning and an eight-run sixth to put away Whitworth 15-5 in Los Angeles.
The Whits (3-5) managed nine hits off three SCC pitchers.
Russian wrestlers visit
A touring cultural exchange wrestling team from Russia will square off against a Spokane-area high school delegation Monday at 7 p.m. at East Valley.
East Valley coach Craig Hanson said the Russian team is primarily from the Moscow area.
Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for students.
Three-time State AAA champion Andy Roberts of University heads the Spokane-area team. The rest of the lineup includes Jack Claros, Ferris; Brian Lehrman, Lewis and Clark; Chris Montgomery, Gonzaga Prep; Justin Walker, East Valley; Shane Cunanan, Central Valley; Aaron Laughery, Lakeside-Nine Mile; Casey Laughery, Shadle Park; David Sandberg, North Central; Christopher Duncan, EV; Tyson Thivierge, Clarkston; Arthur Avalon, Mead; and Joe Collier, Mead.
Downriver to open Saturday
Downriver Golf Course will be open for play beginning Saturday.
Tee times are now being reserved. Call 327-5269 for information.
It is not yet known how many permanent greens will be open. The course will have as many permanent greens open as the weather permits.
, DataTimes