On the same day the Washington Huskies officially introduced athletic director Pat Chun after hiring him away from Washington State, the Cougars decided to take out some frustrations on their in-state rivals, taking the first game of the Apple Cup 4-0.
Starter Grant Taylor threw a complete game shutout for the Cougars, allowing just 1 hit while striking out 17 Huskies to earn his fourth win on the season. Washington starter Jared Engman wasn’t nearly as effective, as he allowed 6 hits and 4 earned runs over 4 innings of work, taking the loss and falling to 0-5 on the season.
Three of Washington State’s four runs came in the third inning, behind an RBI single from shortstop Kyle Russell and a two-run single from left fielder Casen Taggert. Designated hitter Trey Cruz added a solo home run in the fourth inning in a game that was otherwise dominated by pitching.
The Huskies, who have now lost five straight games, fell to 6-12-1 on the year and 1-6 in Pac-12 play, while Washington State . The two teams will play the second of their three game set on Friday at 7:05.