LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Southern Utah's season got started on Friday with a pair of tough losses on the road at the UNLV Desert Invitational. The Thunderbirds fell in the first game 18-6 to #24 Oregon and lost to the host from UNLV 9-1 in the final game of day one.
Offensively, the team showed flashes of promise, led by Amyah Boostedt and Arianna Ramirez who each picked up two hits on four at bats. Boostedt hit the team's first home run of the year and drove in two runs on the day. Ramirez also picked up two RBIs between the two games.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"We played tough competition today and saw a lot of good in our roster. We also have some opportunities for improvement. Looking forward to getting back on the field tomorrow."
Game 1 Summary vs. #24 Oregon
The T-Birds got to be the home team in game one of the tournament, and following a shutdown fist by Keimon Winston, the Thunderbirds lit up the scoreboard in the bottom half. Senior Laurie Cooke got on base with a smooth bunt down the third baseline. Ariyana Miranda then walked, followed by an RBI double by Arianna Ramirez. Senior Amyah Boostedt added a single to score another run, and Junior Alayah Toscano doubled to left center, scoring another. The Thunderbirds took a 4-0 lead into the second inning.
Oregon would answer in the second inning with back-to-back home runs to make the score 4-2 heading into the bottom of the second. Freshman Michaella Salvatierra reached base on a walk and promptly stole second and third before Miranda scored her on a single up the middle, giving the T-Birds a three-run lead going into the third.
Oregon posted a big third inning, scoring seven runs to make the score 9-5. Boostedt Came out swinging in the bottom half of the third, smashing a home run to left field. The Ducks added one run in the top of the fourth to make the score 10-6.
Oregon's offense didn't slow down, adding to the lead in the fifth, making the score 18-6. That would hold as the final for game one.
Game 2 Summary vs. UNLV
Southern Utah struck first in the opening inning with an RBI single from Ramirez, bringing Lauire Cooke home for a 1-0 lead.
UNLV quickly responded in the second inning, capitalizing on timely hitting and defensive miscues to put up a four-run frame, highlighted by a two-run double from Martinez.
The Rebels extended their lead in the fourth with three more runs, including a two-RBI single from Becerra. UNLV sealed the game in the sixth when Sefe launched a two-run homer, capping off at 9-1.
Next Up
The T-Birds will continue the tournament on Saturday, February 8, with back-to-back matchups against #24 Oregon and the University of Buffalo beginning at 11:00 a.m. MT. Go to the Tournament Home page to find the link for live stats and the link to watch live on YouTube.
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