CEDAR CITY, Utah — Southern Utah came out swinging in Saturday's series opener against UT Arlington, but despite a fast start and strong individual performances, the Thunderbirds ultimately fell 13–4 in game one. However, the day was only half done as the T-Birds bounced back in game two, overcoming the odds to extend the game before ultimately earning the 20-19 walk-off win in the bottom of the ninth inning.
The Thunderbirds had several standout performances at the plate, with freshman outfielder Michaella Salvatierra racking up six impressive hits, including four singles and two doubles. Sophomore Arianna Ramirez was outstanding, picking up five hits, including two singles, one double, and two home runs. Ramirez tallied eight total RBIs between the two games. Kassidy Munoz scored five hits as well with four singles and a home run. Freshman Maddie Moreno earned the win in the circle.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
Game One Summary
Southern Utah struck first, setting the tone early in the bottom of the first. Michaella Salvatierra sparked the offense with an infield single before Arianna Ramirez laced a line drive to right to bring home the game's first run. Kassidy Munoz added another RBI with a sharp grounder, giving the Thunderbirds an early 2–1 lead and plenty of energy.
While UT Arlington's bats caught fire in the middle innings, the Thunderbirds continued to show fight. After a six-run third from the Mavericks, SUU answered in the fourth. Alayah Toscano delivered a sacrifice fly to deep center to score Ramirez, cutting into the UTA lead.
Ramirez came through again in the fifth, driving in her second run of the day with a hard-hit single up the middle. The run was too little, too late as the Mavericks took game one 14-4 in five innings.
Game Two Summary
The Thunderbirds set the tone early when Kassidy Munoz launched a three-run homer to center field in the first inning. After UT Arlington chipped away, Tawnie Mozeris responded with a clutch sacrifice bunt to keep Southern Utah narrowly ahead 4-2.
The Mavericks tied the game up in the top of the third, but Mozeris once again laid down a sacrifice bunt to score Toscano and give the Thunderbirds a 5-4 lead.
But the fifth inning saw UT Arlington storm back with a huge rally, piling on eight runs in the frame to take a commanding 12-5 lead.
It looked like the Mavericks might run away with it—until the Thunderbirds answered back with one of their most explosive innings of the year. Southern Utah blasted eight runs in the bottom of the fifth. Toscano and Michelle De La Cruz each hit sacrifice flies, and Aubrie Burgos smashed a RBI double before the highlight grand slam from Arianna Ramirez that electrified the crowd and gave SUU a 13-12 lead.
Southern Utah kept building the momentum in the sixth, adding three more runs with RBIs from Salvatierra, Cooke, and Miranda to stretch their lead to 16-12.
UT Arlington refused to go away, fighting back with four runs to tie the game in the top of the seventh. The Mavericks added three runs in the eighth inning to reclaim a 19-16 advantage.
Once again, the Thunderbirds showed heart. Ariyana Miranda blasted an RBI double, and Ramirez blasted her second homer of the game—this time a two-run shot to even things at 19 apiece.
After a shutdown inning by the defense and relief pitcher Maddie Moreno, Miranda delivered the game-winning RBI double, sending Cooke home and sealing the 20-19 walk-off win.
On Deck
Southern Utah will honor the seniors on Sunday, April 27, after the final game of the series, which begins at noon. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, and live stats can be found on the schedule page.
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