April 18, 2008
Box Score
TUCSON, Ariz. - Rafael Valenzuela delivered a pinch hit-single in the bottom of the 12th inning to provide No. 22 Arizona a 7-6 victory over Washington State in the opener of a three-game Pacific-10 Conference series at Jerry Kindall Field.
Valenzuela's hit came off Andrew Davis, the fourth pitcher of the night for Washington State (19-16, 3-7 Pac-10) and ended the 4:19 marathon, the longest Cougar game since March 5, 2002 against Oregon State in Pullman (4:27). It was the longest road game for Washington State since a 4:20 affair at California, March 4, 2000.
Brad Glenn singled off Matt Way (1-3) to open the 12th and moved to second on a two-out walk to Jon Gaston. Davis entered and gave up the game-winning hit to Valenzuela on a 0-2 pitch.
Washington State took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second on a run-scoring triple by Michael Weber and a two-out error by Arizona (23-11, 4-6 Pac-10).
The Wildcats scored four in the third with Dillon Baird providing the big blow with a three-run home run. Arizona added two in the fifth to increase its lead to 6-2 before the Cougars rallied in the sixth.
Weber singled and Alex Burg walked to open the frame. One out later, Travis Coulter singled in a run and Scott Suttmeier doubled home two to bring Washington State within 6-5 and chase Arizona starter Preston Guilmet. Paul Gran followed with a sacrifice fly to tie the game and ultimately force extra innings.
Way, who struck out a career-high nine kept the Cougars in the game with five and two-third innings of work giving up the one run on three hits. Jason Stoffel (2-1) countered for Arizona with four shutout innings giving up one hit, one walk and striking out seven.
The teams continue their series Saturday at 6 p.m.
