PULLMAN, Wash. - The Gardner-Webb (16-20) baseball team battled early but could not overcome a late push from Washington State (18-17), falling in the series finale Saturday at Bailey–Brayton Field.

Gardner-Webb struck first thanks to the power of Drew Ripepi. The Runnin' Bulldog infielder put GWU on the board in the opening inning with a three-run home run, giving the Dawgs an early advantage and providing the offense's biggest swing of the afternoon.

Starter Reid Bertram kept the Cougars in check through the early innings, working around traffic and keeping Washington State from capitalizing. The Runnin' Bulldogs' defense backed him up with several key plays to hold the early lead.

Washington State eventually broke through midway through the game. The Cougars used timely hitting and situational offense to string together a rally, highlighted by run-scoring hits from Max Hartman, Ryan Skjonsby and Kyler Northrop. Trevor Smith added a home run later in the contest to extend the Cougar advantage.

Gardner-Webb had opportunities to respond but struggled to convert with runners on base. The Runnin' Bulldogs were slowed by a pair of double plays that halted potential rallies and kept the deficit from shrinking late.

Colby Humphries took the loss in relief for the Runnin' Bulldogs, while Jerek Hobb provided additional innings out of the bullpen to finish the game. Washington State's Luke Meyers earned the win after limiting Gardner-Webb's offense across his outing, and August Richie recorded the save.

Gardner-Webb will return to the diamond on Tuesday, April 14 as it plays host to the Royals of Queens University. Game time is set for 6 p.m.