A Breakout Year for the Cougars
Washington State’s baseball program captured its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2010, finishing the 2026 campaign with a 31‑28 record that marked the most wins for the team in over a decade.
Pitcher of the Year and Regional Acclaim
Left‑hander Nick Lewis was crowned the 2026 Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Year after posting a 10‑2 record and a 2.97 ERA across 100 innings. His performance earned him a spot on the ABCA All‑West Region Second Team, making him the first Cougar pitcher to receive All‑Region honors since Jason Evenhus in 1993.
Dominance in the Mountain West Tournament
Lewis delivered a career‑high 11 strikeouts while allowing just one unearned run over 8.2 innings against Air Force, and he followed with a complete‑game six‑hitter to defeat seventh‑ranked Oregon State in the Eugene Regional. The team also secured the Mountain West Conference Tournament championship, their first since 1976, and completed the season with a conference championship since 1976.
Historic Firsts and Legacy
The 2026 season will be remembered for multiple firsts: the program’s inaugural All‑Region selection in more than three decades, a complete‑game victory over a top‑ten opponent, and a return to the NCAA Tournament after a 16‑year hiatus. These milestones underscore a resurgence that began with the 2026 Mountain West Tournament title and continued through the Eugene Regional run.
Looking Forward
With a core group of talent led by Lewis and a coaching staff that has rebuilt the program’s identity, Washington State aims to sustain its momentum into the next season. The program’s recent successes have reignited fan interest and set a new benchmark for future aspirations.