The Cougars performed strongly on offense leading to a victory in the first game of the series against Gonzaga Thursday, with a final score of 6-4.
Desmond Poulson opened the game and was off to a rough start. After composing himself, Poulson ended up throwing over 120 pitches and kept the Cougars in the game.
'I wanted to throw a little more,' Poulson said, ' I feel like if we throw strikes, we'll get wins.'
With a thin bullpen, Poulson had to step up and play seven innings.
'Desmond is one of the hardest workers on the team,' Coach Vance Law said. 'He pitched very well tonight and was able to spot his fast balls inside and out.'
It was a close game until the Cougars were able to gain a two run lead in the eighth inning after an exciting offensive performance from Brock Whitney. In the bottom of the eighth, the game was tied 4-4. Whitney stepped up to the plate and hit a triple bringing Welch home.
'It was a great play on Brock's part, he had a great hit in the gap,' Law said.
Christian Mua followed with a base hit RBI bringing the Cougars ahead by two.
'Christian is one of those guys this season that accepted a different role,' Law said. 'He has done everything we asked of him and tonight was a big ball game for him.'
Mua also had a great diving catch in the third inning.
'Christian knows how to play the game the right way,' Law said.
The West Coast Conference has been extremely competitive and the Cougars hope to finish out the season strong.
'To witness their successes up close and personal, now that's pretty special,' Law said. 'I know exactly how much work they put in, and that's what's gratifying for me.'
The Cougars will face the Bulldogs Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. at Miller Park.