Wildcat Athletics � Cougars' 5-Run Fifth Leads to 12-4 Victory

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4.21.2000
Cougars' 5-Run Fifth Leads to 12-4 Victory

Box Score

TUCSON, Ariz. - Bookie Gates and Jordan Nilsen each drove in a pair of runs in a five-run fifth as Washington State broke a four-all tie on its way to a 12-4 victory over Arizona in Tucson Thursday night.

The Cougars broke an eight-game losing streak and improved to 15-25, 3-10 in Pac-10 play. The Cats fell to 21-24 and 6-10.

WSU scored nine runs (six earned) in 4.1 innings off sophomore right-hander Ben Diggins (8-3) who dropped his third straight decision after starting the season with eight consecutive victories. The nine runs marked the most Diggins had ever allowed in his career.

Senior southpaw Todd Meldahl earned just his second victory on the season by scattering 10 hits over seven innings of work.

Junior right fielder Jason Grove homered and drove in four runs for the Cougars. Senior first baseman Ray Hattenburg singled, doubled and scored three times.

Keoni DeRenne, Ernie Durazo and Trevor Mote each picked up a pair of hits for the Cats.

The two teams meet again Friday at 7 p.m. at Sancet Field.

Washington State     103  051  020  - 12  8   0
Arizona              130  000  000  - 4   11  4  
Meldahl, Fisher (8) and Smith; Diggins, Milo (5), 
Elias (8) and Meyer.
W-Meldahl (2-5). L-Diggins (8-3). Hrs-Grove (2).