PULLMAN, Wash. – The Gardner-Webb (16-19) baseball team blasted three homeruns on Friday evening, but it was not enough as the Runnin' Bulldogs dropped game two of their series at Washington State (17-17) by the final of 7-4.

Gardner-Webb showed early power at the plate, highlighted by a solo home run from Merik Carter, who drove a ball out to give the Runnin' Bulldogs an early spark offensively. The Dawgs continued to pressure Washington State pitching with timely hits throughout the middle innings.

Zack Thompson and Kelvin Agosto both cleared the outfield wall with solo homers that helped the Runnin' Bulldogs stay within striking distance. The trio of Carter, Thompson and Agosto accounted for much of the offensive production as Gardner-Webb worked to keep pace with the Cougars.

On the mound, Matthew Stuart took the start for the Runnin' Bulldogs and battled through his outing against a Washington State lineup that produced extra-base hits from several spots in the order. Stuart kept Gardner-Webb competitive before turning the ball over to the bullpen. Colby Putnam provided relief work late in the game.

Washington State generated key momentum with a pair of doubles and later used a home run from Ryan Skjonsby to plate crucial runs. The Cougars' bullpen then worked through the final innings to preserve the lead.

The third and final game of the series will take place on Saturday, April 11 with a first pitch set at 3:05 p.m.