CEDAR CITY, Utah — Southern Utah dropped the rubber match of the three-game series with California Baptist Saturday afternoon, falling 7-3. The Thunderbirds fall to 15-18 on the season with a 1-2 mark in WAC conference play.
Offensively, Southern Utah was led by junior outfielder Taralyn Ollison, who recorded multiple hits and an RBI, while freshmen Savannah Lira and Alayna Ma'ake sparked key moments with extra-base hits. Despite tallying 11 hits as a team, the Thunderbirds were unable to capitalize consistently, leaving runners on base in several crucial situations.
In the circle, Riley Nielson was tagged with the loss. Nielson started and pitched 2.1 innings, surrendering four runs on three hits. Sophomore Hannah Duncan pitched four innings, allowing three runs on four hits and striking out one batter.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"Credit to California Baptist, they executed in some big moments and took advantage of opportunities when we didn't. I liked the way we competed and put together quality at-bats throughout the game, but we've got to do a better job of finishing innings and capitalizing with runners on base. There's a lot to build on from today, but also a clear standard of execution we need to reach as we continue conference play."
Game Summary
The Lancers opened the scoring in the first inning with an RBI single from Makayla Medellin, but the Thunderbirds quickly answered in the bottom half when McKenzy Becerra dropped down a bunt single to bring home Michaella Salvatierra and tie the game at 1-1.
The game turned in the third inning, where California Baptist capitalized on small ball and timely hitting to plate four runs. Medellin delivered another RBI single, while Ashlee Annett and Malachy Russell-Mill each added RBI bunts, and a sacrifice fly extended the lead to 5-1. That surge proved to be the difference as Southern Utah struggled to generate sustained offense in the middle innings.
The Thunderbirds showed signs of life in the fourth when Savannah Lira and Alayna Maake delivered back-to-back doubles to cut the deficit to 5-2. The T-Birds threatened again in the sixth, stringing together four hits, including an RBI single from Taralyn Ollison to make it 6-3, but they left the bases loaded and couldn't pull any closer.
California Baptist added an insurance run in the seventh on an RBI double from Medellin. The Thunderbirds were held hitless over the final frame, as the Lancers closed out the 7-3 victory.
On Deck
Southern Utah will hit the road next week for a battle for I-15 down at Utah Tech. The three-game set will begin on Friday, March 27, with a doubleheader at 2:00 p.m. MT. The Thunderbirds will continue the series against the Trailblazers on Saturday, March 28, at noon. Live stats for the series will be available on the schedule link at suutbirds.com, and all three games will be broadcast on ESPN+.
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