College baseball: Justin Van De Brake powers WSU past Niagara

Justin Van De Brake had a grand slam and seven RBIs, and Washington State rode a 12-run first inning to a 16-7 win Thursday over Niagara at Bailey-Brayton Field.

Kyle Manzardo added three RBIs, including a two-run double during the Cougars’ first-inning eruption.

WSU (6-6) chased Tommy Bednarski (0-2) after the Eagles starter recorded just two outs.

Alexandre Jones then entered and walked Collin Montez to load the bases for Van De Brake to clear them, making it 12-0.

Bednarski was charged with 10 runs, though only three were earned due to two Niagara errors in the frame.

Tanner West (1-1) worked five innings and yielded three runs to pick up his first win of the season.

Montez also homered for WSU, and Brady Hill added three runs from the leadoff spot on a 4-for-6 effort.

The Cougars and Eagles resume their four-game series on Friday.