TUCSON, Ariz. — The Arizona Wildcats (21-9, 9-4) dropped their series opener to the Washington State Cougars (11-18, 3-10) on Friday night at Hi Corbett Field.

Designated hitter Noah Turley put the Cats out in front early with a first inning grand slam, the first of his Arizona career. However they could not hold on as WSU went on to score five in the third and never look back.

Second baseman Garen Caulfield tied his career-high with three hits, including an RBI double to the gap in left-center field in the sixth inning.

Starting pitcher TJ Nichols worked three innings for Arizona and took the loss, moving to 4-2 on the year.

Right-hander Jonathan Guardado closed out the game with a strong relief effort, working two innings and holding the Cougs scoreless on just one hit while striking out three.

Arizona WildBATS

• DH Noah Turley: 1-for-4, R, HR, 4 RBI
• 2B Garen Caulfield: 3-for-4, 2B, RBI

Bullpen Bullies

• RHP Jonathan Guardado: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Number of the Night

• Arizona batters struck out only four times on Friday night, tying their lowest mark of the season.

Photo of the Night

Tweets of the Night

Over the batter's eye in dead center!! ???? #BearDown pic.twitter.com/19K9SAQsCx

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) April 9, 2022

.@gcaulfield_3 starts chipping away with a two-out double to left-center ?? #BearDown pic.twitter.com/ZYT89szMRq

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) April 9, 2022

Underway on Military Appreciation Weekend! ???? #BearDown

?? https://t.co/G4d7HlebzY (1290 AM)
?? https://t.co/nV7xPt8NKl
?? https://t.co/qMCCyjP6IJ pic.twitter.com/noJKOgT1mM

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) April 9, 2022

Up Next

The Wildcats look to even the series against the Cougars on Saturday night. First pitch is again scheduled for 6:00 p.m. MST.