No. 16 Arizona lost its first Pac-12 game in more than a month, ending an 11-game winning streak in conference play, with a 4-3 loss at Washingon on Saturday.
The Wildcats (26-15, 14-6) previously lost in a Pac-12 game on March 23 at Oregon.
Arizona will try to win its fourth straight conference series when the teams play Sunday in Seattle. The Wildcats swept UCLA, California and Washington State in three previous series.
A victory over Washington (15-20-1, 7-13) will also ensure the Wildcats hold on to their Pac-12 lead with three weeks left in the regular season.
Utah (28-13, 13-7) is only one game behind Arizona after beating last-place UCLA 7-3 on Saturday.
Arizona starting pitcher Clark Candiotti took the loss Saturday after allowing four runs (two earned) across five innings. The right-hander struck out six.
The Wildcats’ bullpen allowed the Arizona hitters to stay alive in the late innings.
Southpaw Eric Orloff and right-hander Dawson Netz combined to hold the Huskies scoreless without a hit down the final stretch.
Four Arizona batters picked up multiple hits, led by a 3-for-3 performance from third baseman Maddox Mihalakis.
Mihalakis now has multiple hits in four of his last six games.
The Wildcats managed to get the tying run in scoring position in the top of the ninth inning but could not complete the rally.
Easton Breyfogle had to leave the game early with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. His status is uncertain.
PAC-12 BASEBALL STANDINGS
Team | Rec | Pct | GB | Ovr | Pct | Stk |
ARIZONA | 14-6 | .700 | — | 26-15 | .634 | L1 |
Utah | 13-7 | .650 | 1 | 27-13 | .675 | W2 |
Oregon State | 12-7 | .632 | 1.5 | 33-9 | .786 | W3 |
Oregon | 11-9 | .550 | 3 | 28-14 | .667 | L2 |
Stanford | 11-9 | .550 | 3 | 19-21 | .475 | W2 |
USC | 10-9 | .526 | 3.5 | 20-23 | .465 | L2 |
Arizona State | 12-11 | .522 | 3.5 | 22-21 | .512 | W5 |
California | 11-12 | .478 | 4.5 | 25-16 | .610 | L2 |
Washington | 7-13 | .350 | 7 | 15-20-1 | .417 | W1 |
Washington State | 7-14 | .333 | 7.5 | 18-23 | .439 | L6 |
UCLA | 6-17 | .261 | 9.5 | 13-27 | .325 | L8 |
Saturday’s scores
Washington 4, ARIZONA 3
Utah 7, UCLA 3
Stanford 15, California 6
Arizona State 17, USC 2
Oregon State 4, Oregon 2
Fresno State 12, Washi4gton State 2
Sunday’s games
ARIZONA at Washington, 1:05 p.m.
UCLA at Utah, noon
California at Stanford, 4 p.m.
Oregon at Oregon State, 2:05 p.m.
USC at Arizona State, 1 p.m.
Fresno State at Washington State, 1:05 p.m.