PASCO, Washington - After swinging the bats so well and coming up with so many clutch hits a week ago, the Utah Valley State baseball team found itself on the short end Friday afternoon against Gonzaga. The Wolverines dropped the opener of the three-game series in Pasco, Washington to the Bulldogs, 7-3.

The game was a pitcher's duel until the 6th inning when Gonzaga scored five runs to break the game open.

"We made a couple mistakes that cost us," said Coach Steve Gardner. "And they're too good a team to mistakes and expect to win."

Canyon Vance had two hits, but Utah Valley couldn't come up with the timely knocks like they did against Air Force and North Dakota State a week ago. Gonzaga pitcher Josh Monroe pitched well, allowing only one run on five hits while walking none and striking out eight in eight innings of work.

"Our hitters didn't have the approach like they did last week," said Gardner. "Their pitcher did a good job...but we had too many free swingers. The guys were swinging from their armpits to their kneecaps."

The Wolverines will have a chance to even the series tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. MST when they send Kyle Tash to the hill. Tash picked up the win last Sunday against North Dakota State, throwing eight innings of excellent baseball. He scattered six hits, while striking out six and walking one. The series will conclude Sunday at 2:00 p.m. MST.