PULLMAN, WA- Washington State's baseball season is off to a hot start. The Cougs won the Karbach Round Rock classic , going 2-1 in tournament play. It's the first tournament title since 2010.

Their first win of the weekend was against 24th ranked Kentucky. Senior pitcher Grant Taylor held the wildcats to just two hits in six innings, and struck out three batters.

After trailing 1-0, with runners on the corners Nate Swarts knocked in a two run RBI triple into left center.

The Cougs kept their momentum going with Max Hartman's RBI single to right field, to take a 3-1 lead.

WSU held a narrow 4-3 lead heading into the eighth inning. With a full count, Swarts drew the walk with the bases loaded.

WSU closer Chase Grillo ended the game with a strikeout and his tenth career save. They handed Kentucky their first loss of the season.

"Taking it one pitch and one inning at a time. Having the team on my back, there's two steps to the game defense and offense. I knew if I just kept my team in it, I knew we'd have some fun," Taylor said.

The fun carried over to their next game against the Kansas Jayhawks.

Alan Shibley got the Cougs on the board first with a solo home run into right field. WSU however trailed 4-1 until their eighth inning rally.

With two runners on, Joey Kramer launched a go-ahead three run homer over the left field wall to take a 5-4 lead.

Kramer was named the tournament MVP with three hits and two runs, becoming WSU's first tournament MVP since 2010.

"I think the approach through that at bat was just to fight, like you said we were frustrated offensively. I wanted to continue playing, and get one for the team and it ended up working out for the team," Kramer said.

"The opportunity for our guys to be here and play these programs. I think it shows them that if we play good baseball, we can play with anyone in the country, so it's been awesome, said head coach Nathan Choate.

The Cougs return to Bailey Brayton field for their first home game of the season. First pitch is set for Friday, 4:05 pm against Rhode Island.