SDSU swept at Washington State

Sunday, March 22

Pullman, Wash.

noon PT

South Dakota State University

Washington State

3/22/2009 8:00:00 PM | Baseball

By: SDSU Sports Info

PULLMAN, Wash. -- Washington State hit three home runs, including a grand slam by Shea Vucinich to down South Dakota State, 13-4 Sunday afternoon and secure a sweep of a three-game college baseball series.

The Cougars upped their record to 8-11, while SDSU dropped to 4-14.

The day started out well for the Jackrabbits, who grabbed a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a three-run home run by Stephen Turner. Billy Stitz opened the inning with a base hit and moved into scoring position on a single by Jesse Sawyer before Turner's first home run of the season.

WSU came back with a pair of runs in the second inning and took the lead with a four-run second inning. Cody Bartlett opened the second with a solo home run off Jackrabbit starter Caleb Thielbar and Greg Lagreid added a three-run blast later in the inning.

Vucinich's grand slam to left center came with two outs in the third inning and made the score 10-3.

SDSU's final run came on an RBI groundout by Stitz in the ninth inning.

Chad Arnold pitched the first five innings to earn the victory for Washington State. He struck out three and walke one.

The Cougars recorded a season-high 17 hits, including four by Bartlett and three by Alex Burg.

Stitz and Tony Martin each had two of SDSU's 10 hits.

Weather-permitting, the Jackrabbits are scheduled to open the home season Saturday with a doubleheader against North Dakota. Start time is set for 11 a.m.