Gonzaga's baseball team is back in the groove, and just in time for the season's defining moment. After a midweek reset that reignited their bats, the Bulldogs are charging into their final stretch with a West Coast Conference title firmly in their sights.
The Zags (29-17, 16-5 WCC) hold a commanding three-game lead atop the conference standings as they head to second-place San Francisco (22-24, 13-8) for a crucial three-game series starting Friday at 2 p.m. A series win would clinch Gonzaga's first regular-season conference championship since 2022—a milestone that feels within reach after a season full of highlights.
"Going to San Francisco is obviously going to be a big one, and I think we're all geared up for it," said star third baseman Mikey Bell, following Gonzaga's 10-5 win over Washington State on Monday in Spokane.
The Bulldogs, ranked 54th nationally in RPI, are writing a memorable chapter this year. Powered by an explosive lineup, they set a program record with 14 consecutive wins before hitting a brief rough patch last week. That stretch included a narrow midweek loss at No. 13 Oregon and their first WCC series defeat of the season, dropping two games at home to Santa Clara. During their historic streak, the Zags averaged 9.5 runs and 13 hits per game, but last week those numbers dipped to 4.25 runs and 8.5 hits per game.
But Monday's win against Washington State showed the team's resilience. Gonzaga erupted for 18 hits, including a seven-run sixth inning, to complete a season sweep of their Palouse rivals and restore their confidence.
"It was only a matter of time before we started swinging it again," said top hitter Maddox Haley. "Last weekend wasn't great for our bats. It's good for us to go and swing it a little bit going into these last couple games. It's just mentality."
That mentality has been a hitter's dream all season. The Zags boast a .305 combined batting average—28th nationally—with dangerous bats up and down the lineup. "There's not one guy that can't change the game with one swing," Haley added. "Our whole lineup can do damage."
Haley, a junior designated hitter/outfielder who transferred from junior college, leads the charge with a .384 average and .696 slugging percentage. He's crushed 10 home runs and 13 doubles while striking out just 19 times. The San Diego native set a program record with a 29-game hitting streak earlier this season, and after an 0-for-13 skid last week, he bounced back with two hits Monday to break the slump.
"It wasn't about having a hot streak. I wanted to be consistent," Haley explained. "I just wanted one a game, I wanted that one knock to help my team. If I can produce or score and get an RBI, that was the focus. It was about being the consistent player I wanted to be. I didn't know I was going to hit .400, but I'd like to think that one a day—getting on base, helping the team out—that's the goal."
With their bats reignited and a championship within reach, the Zags are ready to turn this weekend's series into a statement. For fans and players alike, it's the kind of stretch that defines a season—and for Gonzaga, it's all about finishing strong.