PULLMAN, Wash. — A six-run fifth inning propelled the Nevada Wolf Pack to a decisive 12-5 victory over Washington State on Sunday, clinching the series win for the visitors. The offensive outburst, fueled by timely hitting and a pair of home runs, allowed Nevada to overcome an early deficit and secure their sixth Mountain West Conference win of the season. The victory improves Nevada’s overall record to 16-9 as they prepare for a non-conference matchup at Gonzaga on Monday.
The game at Bailey-Brayton Field was a back-and-forth affair early on, with four lead changes within the first five innings. Though, Nevada’s bats came alive at the crucial moment, breaking the game open and silencing the Cougar offense. The Pack’s ability to capitalize with runners in scoring position proved to be the difference, showcasing a potent offensive attack that has been a hallmark of their recent success. This series win is particularly significant as Nevada looks to build momentum heading into the latter half of the season and a crucial stretch of Mountain West play.
Early Exchanges and a Shifting Lead
Washington State struck first, taking a 2-1 lead in the early innings. However, Nevada responded with a three-run burst in the third, highlighted by a sixth home run of the season from Junhyuk Kwon. Jackson Waller followed with an RBI single, and Jack Metcho added a sacrifice fly, giving the Wolf Pack a 4-2 advantage. The lead proved short-lived, as Washington State battled back, tying the game and then taking a 5-4 lead in the fourth inning, ultimately chasing Nevada starter Jordan Giacomini from the mound.
Giacomini pitched 3.1 innings, allowing five runs – four earned – on four hits while recording three strikeouts. While he didn’t factor into the decision, the early struggles put Nevada in a precarious position. The Cougar rally was sparked by a double from Mason Pirello and a subsequent wild pitch that allowed Pirello to score.
Pack Bullpen Shuts Down Cougar Offense
The turning point of the game came with the arrival of Nevada’s bullpen. Dominic Desch entered the game in the fourth and immediately stabilized the situation, beginning a stretch of 5.1 scoreless innings from Nevada relievers. Desch earned the win, his second of the season, and combined with Eric Valdez to effectively shut down the Washington State offense. Valdez, who secured his second save of the year, was particularly dominant, striking out seven batters and allowing just three hits over his four innings of work.
Fifth Inning Explosion Seals the Victory
Nevada’s offense erupted in the fifth inning, sending 11 batters to the plate and scoring six runs to accept a commanding 10-5 lead. Sean Yamaguchi ignited the rally with a solo home run to tie the game. With the bases loaded and one out, Rominic Quiban delivered a clutch single off the wall in right-center field, scoring Mikey Cruz Jr. And Jackson Waller. Jayce Dobie followed with a double that brought in Jack Metcho, and Kwon capped the inning with a two-run double down the right-field line.
Quiban continued to shine at the plate, adding a two-run double in the sixth inning to extend Nevada’s lead to 12-5. He finished the game with a remarkable three hits and four RBIs, solidifying his status as a key contributor to the Wolf Pack offense. Cruz Jr. Also had a standout performance, collecting four hits and reaching base in five of his six plate appearances. Kwon and Yamaguchi each added three-hit games, including their respective home runs.
Looking Ahead to Gonzaga
The Nevada Wolf Pack will now turn their attention to a non-conference game against Gonzaga on Monday at 1 p.m. PT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and KPLY 630 AM/The Varsity Network. Gonzaga finished the 2024 season with a 36-22 record and a 21-9 mark in West Coast Conference play.
This game provides Nevada with an opportunity to continue building momentum before resuming Mountain West play against San José State on April 10-12 at Don Weir Field at Peccole Park. The team will be looking to maintain their strong offensive performance and continue to rely on their reliable bullpen as they navigate the remainder of the season.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support and resources at https://www.nami.org/. You can also contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada, or dialing 111 in the UK.
What did you consider of Nevada’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow Wolf Pack fans!
