Box Score

LMU scored three times in the third inning to take an early 3-2 lead, but could not muster any further run support as the Lions (20-23, 12-8 WCC) suffered a 5-3 setback at the hands of Gonzaga (21-19, 11-9 WCC) on Saturday night from the Patterson Baseball Complex.

OFFENSIVE LION OF THE GAME: Senior Jamey Smart went 3-for-4 with two RBI, driving in a pair with a single in the three-run Lion third. Smart has now hit safely in five straight games, and has collected at least one hit in 33 of LMU's 43 games, including managing 12 multi-hit contests.

THE DECISIONS: Freshman Alek Jacob was credited with the win after tossing 6.0 innings and allowing three runs on seven hits with three strikeouts, improving to 4-4 on the year. Sophomore Casey Legumina converted his 11th save of the year, throwing the final 3.0 scoreless frames and striking out six while allowing just two hits. Redshirt-senior Tyler Cohen was charged with the loss and fell to 1-2 after surrendering four runs (two earned) on seven hits and one walk while striking out five over the first 4.1 innings of work.

GONZAGA'S COMEBACK: After a pair of unearned runs were scored by the Zags in the first, LMU took a 3-2 lead in the third inning after scoring three runs on four hits, but Gonzaga plated the tying run in the fourth and the go-ahead tally in the fifth to capture a lead it would not relinquish. Austin Pinorini led off the fourth with a double before Slade Heggen drove him home with a single into left field. A wild pitch allowed the go-ahead run to score in the fifth inning, and Branson Trube plated an insurance run in the eighth to run the tally to the eventual final of 5-3.

BOX SCORE NOTES: In addition to Smart, Trevin Esquerra also finished with multiple hits, going 2-for-5 with one RBI to extend his hit streak to six games ââ'¬¦ Ernie Yake led a trio of Bulldogs with multiple hits, finishing 3-for-4 with two runs scored ââ'¬¦ Pinorini went 2-for-4 with a run scored and one RBI, while Carson Breshears contributed a pair of bunt singles ââ'¬¦ Gonzaga managed to put the leadoff man aboard in six of their eight offensive innings ââ'¬¦ the Lions issued eight free passes, including five walks and three hit batters.

JOURNEY TO THE TOURNEY: With the loss, LMU fell to 12-8 in the WCC, good for a share of second place following San Francisco's Saturday loss to Santa Clara. Pepperdine, which is idle this week, sits atop the standings at 12-6. The fourth spot in the WCC currently belongs to Saint Mary's, which is also ide, at 10-8.

ON DECK: LMU will play the rubber game of the three-game West Coast Conference series with Gonzaga on Sunday at 12 p.m.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS: LMU still has four home games remaining to be played at Page Stadium. New ticket plans start at $50 for a General Admission season ticket, while Reserved season tickets can be purchased for $99. Members of LMU's Little Lions Club also get into all LMU home baseball games as part of the membership, while students, faculty and staff with a valid One Card also receive free General Admission access to every home game. Reserved season tickets behind home plate include a nameplate on your chair identifying your seat(s). Fans can also package a mini plan to include any five home games this year, with prices starting at $30. To purchase season tickets, mini plans or single-game tickets, please contact the LMU Box Office at 310-338-5466 or visit LMULions.com/tickets.