In the series finale against a future in-conference opponent, the Texas State Bobcats (12-3) ended the weekend by defeating the Washington State Cougars (6-9) in a tight 4-3 victory rainy Sunday afternoon at Bobcat Ballpark.
Junior pitcher Jesus Tovar, despite giving up his first earned run of the season, remained dominant by tossing his third straight quality start while notching his fourth straight win, throwing for six innings and striking out seven while relinquishing just four hits and one earned run.
The Bobcats had their fourth straight weekend series victory since the beginning of the season amidst a series that very well could’ve gone in favor of Washington State. Nonetheless, the high-powered offense of Texas State prevailed.
“We always want to start by sweeping the week,” Bobcats head coach Steven Trout said. “But if you can go three and one every single week, you’re going to have a really good season by the end of the year.”
Continuing a strong trend of striking first, it didn’t take long for Texas State to get on the scoreboard in this game as sophomore shortstop Dawson Park blasted a two-run home run to right-center field, giving Texas State the early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning.
Washington State eventually got on the board thanks to a two-out rally in the fifth inning via an RBI single from freshman leftfielder Trevor Smith. Tovar gave up his first run of the season after 23.2 innings of shutout baseball.
The Bobcats extended their lead in the fifth and sixth thanks to an RBI double from senior utility Rashawn Galloway and an RBI single from sophomore second basemen Brady Boles, pushing their lead 4-1 by the seventh.
Junior pitcher Alec Beversdorf came in to pitch in relief of Tovar, but worked himself into some trouble as he loaded the bases with no outs and gave up two runs on a long single into right field and a fielder’s choice, but crucially kept the Bobcats out in front, 4-3.
Freshman closer Wade Cooper came into the game in the ninth to finish the weekend. After fielding a scorching ground ball for the first out and forcing a groundout to second base for the second, Cooper hit two consecutive batters, placing the tying run in scoring position.
Fortunately for the Bobcats, Washington State was not able to capitalize after a groundout to Boles as Cooper secured his fourth save of the season and, most importantly, a win for Texas State.
The Bobcats will continue their homestand and strong momentum at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10 with a matchup against the highly ranked Texas Longhorns. Fans can tune in through ESPN+.
