Dirtbags Stall Comeback, Lose To Washington State

 Despite a late surge in the bottom of the sixth inning, Long Beach State stalled on a potential comeback and fell to Washington State 9-7, dropping the weekend series at Blair Field on March 1.

The Dirtbags kept pace early, scoring whenever the Cougars added runs, but the loss continued an early-season trend of defensive struggles and inconsistent pitching.

Long Beach State has now allowed at least five runs in nine of its first 11 games, an issue head coach T.J. Bruce has attributed to poor counts and defensive miscues compounding one another.

“We get into bad counts and we can’t play defense, so when you combine those two things, it’s a recipe to get your butt kicked, unfortunately,” Bruce said. “We’re looking for anybody who can pick up the ball and anybody who can throw strikes and get ahead in counts.”

Outfielder Trevor Goldenetz led the offense with two hits, including a triple in the third inning, but the Dirtbags couldn’t keep up with Washington State’s late push.

The Cougars pulled away with a two-run single by Long Beach native Ryan Skjonsby in the eighth inning. Skjonsby finished with two hits and three RBIs, including the game-winning score.

“The Cougar fans showed up well, so it’s always nice, even on the road,” Skjonsby said. “You’ve got plenty of fans in the stands, and it makes it easy to go out there. It’s been a long trip, but we’re all pulling on the same rope, and it’s been great to see family.”

With Big West Conference play approaching, the Dirtbags fall to 4-7 overall and 3-5 at home.

Next up, Long Beach State hosts Waseda University of Japan in an exhibition game March 3 at 6:05 p.m. at Blair Field.