CEDAR CITY, Utah — The Thunderbirds opened the season with a pair of tough losses Thursday afternoon. Southern Utah fell in the season opener 8-0 to Arizona and dropped the back half of the doubleheader 8-0. SUU begins the season 0-2 with hopes to improve that record over a challenging opening weekend at the GCU Kickoff Classic.
The Thunderbrids were led at the plate by junor outfielder Taralyn Ollison, who picked up the team's only multi-hit day with a single and a double. Freshman McKenzy Becerra also grabbed a hit, as did junior infielder Arianna Ramirez. On the rubber, the T-Birds pitched a few different players, with Freshman Avery Nielson and Sophomore Hannah Duncan making their Southern Utah debuts. Both Nielson sisters pitched for the Thunderbirds today in their hometown, and each recorded a strikeout against a very tough Arizona team.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"We knew opening the season against a team like Arizona was going to test us right away. I liked the way our pitchers competed in the circle and didn't shy away from the moment, especially our young arms making their first appearances. Offensively, we showed flashes, but this weekend is about learning, adjusting, and getting better every game. This group will respond, and we're excited to get back out there and keep building as the weekend goes on."
Game 1 Summary
Arizona jumped out to an early lead when an errant throw allowed a run to score from third with two out in the first inning. The Wildcats added a run in each of the next two innings to make the score 3-0 heading to the bottom of the fourth.
In the fourth frame, Arizona exploded for four runs, including a home run and some aggressive baserunning to score on a pair of wild pitches.
The Wildcats ended the game with another run in the bottom of the fifth, making the final score 8-0.
Game 2 Summary
SUU held the potent Arizona Offense scoreless through the first four innings as Riley Nielson was electric in the circle. In the bottom of the fifth, the Wildcats broke through, scoring three runs before the T-Birds were able to shut them down.
The Wildcats rattled off another quick five runs to end the game 8-0 after six innings.
On Deck
The Thunderbirds are set to continue the opening weekend in Arizona. The T-Birds are heading to the GCU Kickoff Classic in Phoenix, with games on Friday against Santa Clara and Grand Canyon, then taking on GCU and Weber State on Saturday, and wrapping up with a single game against Weber State on Sunday. Both games against Grand Canyon will be available to watch on ESPN+.
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