Long Beach State fell to Washington State 9-7, concluding their weekend series on a disappointing note. The Cougars jumped ahead early but the Dirtbags rallied to tie by the seventh inning. Washington State’s pivotal two-run single in the eighth sealed their victory. Long Beach State struggled to respond in the final frames despite a strong offensive showing, totaling eight hits and seven walks. The team will face Waseda University on March 3 before a road game against San Diego State.
By the NumbersLong Beach State had 8 hits and 7 walks in the game.Washington State scored 4 runs in the fifth inning to take a 6-2 lead. State of PlayLong Beach State’s pitching struggled, specifically in the eighth inning where they surrendered two runs.The Dirtbags and Cougars were closely matched, with Long Beach rallying several times to keep the game competitive. What’s Next
Long Beach State will host Waseda University on March 3 for an exhibition game, then travel to San Diego State for their final nonconference matchup on March 4. This will be crucial for the team’s momentum as they head into future games.
Bottom Line
Despite a valiant effort and some key performances, the Dirtbags’ inability to contain late-game rallies proved costly. Looking ahead, consistent pitching will be essential for the team as they continue their season against tough competition.