SPOKANE, Wash.—San Diego could not overcome a late offensive rally from Gonzaga, falling 15-3 on Saturday night at Patterson Complex to even the series 1-1.
 
The Toreros (18-9, 4-4 WCC) jumped out to 2-0 lead after a two-run home run by Jeff Houghtby in the top of the third. However, the Bulldogs (11-12, 4-4 WCC) answered immediately tacking on three runs in the bottom of the inning and adding two more in the fourth to take a 5-2 lead.
 
USD would get one back in the top of the sixth on a two-out RBI single up the middle by Tora Otsuka, but the GU offense exploded for 10 runs combined in the sixth and seventh innings to effectively shut down the comeback.
 
Houghtby finished the day with 1-for-2 with two runs, also reaching on a walk and being hit by a pitch. His two-RBI homer was one of only three Torero hits in the ballgame and his second home run of the season. Cody Jefferis produced the only other hit for USD, reaching on a single through the right side and providing the second RBI for Houghtby.
 
Jake Miller got the start for USD, pitching 4.2 innings and giving up five runs (four earned) on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts.
 
Cade Brown, Josh Hendrickson and Nigel Ward came out of the bullpen in relief of Miller, collectively allowing 10 runs (nine earned) on 10 hits with four walks and one strikeout.
 
The Toreros will look to bounce back in the series finale on Sunday at 1 p.m. PT.