LOGAN, Utah – The Fresno State softball team fell to Utah State, 9-5, in game two of the series, evening the series at one win apiece.
The Bulldogs (25-16, 9-6 MW) were outhit by the Aggies (24-17, 9-3MW), 12-7. Madison Rey led the way at the plate with two doubles.
Three pitchers saw time in the circle for Fresno State: Key-Annah Campbell-Pu'a earned the start, while Hannah Ortega and Serayah Neiss came on in relief.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Fresno State got off to a hot start, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. Natalie Elias led off with a single, followed by a double from Kennedy Bunker. With runners on second and third, Lauren Almeida lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to bring in the first run. Taryn Irigoyen then added an RBI groundout to give the Bulldogs an early 2-0 lead.
Utah State answered back with four runs in the bottom of the inning. After the leadoff batter was retired, a single put one runner on base. The next hitter tied the game with a two-run home run, followed immediately by another solo shot to take the lead. Fresno State recorded the second out, but a two-out double kept the inning alive, and an RBI single brought in the Aggies' fourth run.
The Bulldogs didn't let that slow their momentum, responding with three runs in the top of the second to retake the lead. Madison Rey led off the inning with a double and came around to score on an RBI single by Martinez. Alyssa Orr followed with a single, putting two runners on base. Marissa Montelongo then hit into a fielder's choice, but an error by the Aggies' catcher allowed both runners to score, giving Fresno State a 5-4 lead.
Utah State regained the lead in the bottom of the third, scoring two runs on a pair of hits. The Aggies extended their advantage in the fourth, as a leadoff single eventually came around to score with the help of a sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch.
Fresno State had a chance to rally in the sixth inning. After the first two batters were retired, an error followed by back-to-back walks loaded the bases. However, Utah State's defense came through, recording the final out of the inning to escape the jam.
Holding a 7-5 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth, Utah State added a pair of insurance runs. A leadoff single set the stage for a two-run homer, extending the Aggies' lead to 9-5.
Fresno State was retired in order in the top of the seventh, sealing the win for Utah State.
UP NEXT
Fresno State and Utah State will play the rubber match tomorrow at 11 a.m. PT.