CEDAR CITY, Utah — Southern Utah wrapped up the weekend with a pair of wins following the ribbon-cutting at the new Kathryn Berg Field. The Thunderbirds took down Weber State 3-2 in game one and 3-1 in game two. With the wins, the Thunderbirds improve to 9-12 overall and a perfect 2-0 on the brand new home field.
Freshman Savannah Lira collected a team-high four hits across the two games, including two doubles. McKenzy Becerra, Taralyn Ollison, and Arianna Ramirez each picked up two hits, with Becerra tallying two RBIs and Ollison posting an RBI triple. Michaella Salvatierra was clutch, picking up two RBIs on the day.
In the circle, the Thunderbirds had a great day with Hannah Duncan earning the game one win with a complete game effort. Duncan gave up just one earned run while racking up an impressive eight strikeouts and only three walks. In game two, it was the Nielson Sisters who took to the rubber with Riley Nielson getting the start. Riley pitched 4.1 innings, allowing one run on three hits and stranding a handful of baserunners. Avery Nielson pitched 2.2 innings of relief and earned the win without allowing a hit or run and striking out one batter.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"These weren't the prettiest wins, but the team showed a lot of grit. We had to fight through some mistakes and missed opportunities, but our team never backed down. Hannah competed her tail off in game one, Riley and Avery gave us exactly what we needed in game two, and when it mattered most, we found ways to get the hit or the out that we needed. Sometimes this game isn't clean, it's about toughness and responding, and I'm proud of the way we stayed with it and defended our new home field."
Game 1 Summary
Weber State struck first in the second inning. After a double by Sammy Gallegos put runners on second and third, Jordan McMahon delivered an RBI single to score Kiaira Smith and give Weber State a 1-0 lead.
The Thunderbirds answered in the third inning when Michaella Salvatierra reached on an error and later scored on a sacrifice fly from McKenzy Becerra to even the game at 1-1.
The Wildcats regained the lead in the fourth. McMahon tripled and came home on a sacrifice bunt by Victoria Rey, aided by a Southern Utah error. The unearned run pushed Weber State ahead 2-1.
Southern Utah rallied in the final frame. A walk by Michelle De la Cruz and bunt singles from Isabella Knight and Taralyn Ollison loaded the bases. Salvatierra drew an RBI walk to tie the game at 2-2. Moments later, Becerra delivered a walk-off sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Knight and sealing the 3-2 victory for the Thunderbirds.
Game 2 Summary
Weber State Wildcats struck early in the opening inning. After Victoria Rey drew a walk and moved into scoring position, Apollonia Maldonado singled to center field to bring her home for a 1-0 lead. A double later in the inning put two in scoring position, but Southern Utah limited the damage to one run.
The Thunderbirds broke through in the sixth. Isabella Knight was hit by a pitch and came all the way around to score on a triple to left field by Taralyn Ollison, tying the game at 1-1.
Southern Utah took the lead moments later. Salvatierra laid down a sacrifice bunt that resulted in a Weber State fielding error, allowing Ollison to score an unearned run and give the Thunderbirds a 2-1 advantage. The T-Birds added an insurance run in the same inning when Arianna Ramirez singled to right center, scoring Salvatierra and extending the lead to 3-1.
Southern Utah retired the side in order in the seventh to secure the 3-1 victory.
On Deck
Southern Utah is back on the road to continue its preconference slate this weekend. The Thunderbirds travel to Salt Lake City for a midweek matchup against the Utah Utes on Thursday, March 4, before heading to Pocatello for the Idaho State Tournament. Southern Utah will play a doubleheader against the Idaho State Bengals on March 5, take on both Idaho State and Maine on March 6, and close tournament play against Maine on March 7. Live stats are available through the schedule link on suutbirds.com.
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