The Zags (11-10, 2-3) had numerous opportunities on offense putting baserunners on via six hits, five walks and three hit batters, but managed just two runs. GU left two on base to end the first, fourth, sixth, seventh and ninth innings.

On the mound, Daniel Bies battled through six innings, giving up six runs (four earned), on seven hits with nine strikeouts and three walks. Taylor Davis and Calvin LeBrun each pitched a scoreless inning for Gonzaga.

"It was a tough night all around," head coach Mark Machtolf said. "I thought [Daniel] Bies did a good job of battling after facing some adversity early in the game. We have to do a better job of battling offensively. We have a great opportunity to come out and dig out a win on getaway day tomorrow. Every championship team has to find a way to not swept on the road."

Branson Trube had two hits for the Zags, and Nick Brooks had two RBI to pace the offense. Gunnar Schubert's first inning single moved his on-base streak to all 21 games and his hit streak to 15 games.

The Cougars got to Bies early with two runs in the second and then did most of their damage with a four-run sixth.

GU answered with a pair of runs in the sixth inning when Brooks stepped in to pinch hit and knocked home a pair of runs with a two-out single to pull GU within four at 6-2.

The Zags and Cougars will play the final game of the series on Saturday at 12 p.m. PT/1 p.m. MT in Provo, Utah.