CEDAR CITY, Utah — Southern Utah dropped a pair of games Friday at Utah Tech, falling 10-0 in game one before losing an early lead en route to a 13-5 game two loss. The Thunderbirds drop to 15-20 on the season with a 1-4 record in conference play. 

Southern Utah's offense was led by Arianna Ramirez, who paced the lineup with a 3-for-4 performance and a run scored in Game 2 after also picking up a hit in the opener, while Michaella Salvatierra and Alayah Toscano each added multi-hit efforts in the second game to spark the turnaround. In the middle of the order, Taralyn Ollison drove in a run and scored, Kassidy Munoz added an RBI, and Michelle De La Cruz made a major impact with two runs scored and an RBI. After being limited to just four hits in Game 1, the Thunderbirds broke through for 11 hits in Game 2, showing a much more consistent approach at the plate and getting contributions up and down the lineup.

The losses in the circle went to Hannah Duncan in game one and Avery Nielson in game two, as both pitchers battled through tough outings while the team worked to stay in the games.

Coach Don Don Williams Said

"We fell short today and didn't bring our best effort. Tomorrow is a clean slate, and we're going to fight for that win."

Game 1 Summary

The game was scoreless through one, as Arianna Ramirez doubled for the Thunderbirds' first hit, but Southern Utah couldn't capitalize. Utah Tech then took control in the second, starting with a leadoff home run from Summer Sanderson before stringing together six more hits. RBI knocks from Howley, Jones, Taylor, and Kahahawai-Kekona fueled a seven-run inning that gave the Trailblazers a 7-0 lead.

Southern Utah threatened in the fourth with singles from McKenzy Becerra and Savannah Lira, but left both stranded.

Utah Tech added to its lead in the bottom half, using a leadoff double from Pappas and a two-run single from Giroux to extend the advantage to 10-0.

The Thunderbirds managed just one more baserunner the rest of the way, as Utah Tech closed out the run-rule victory.

Game 2 Summary

The Thunderbirds struck first in the opening inning, as Ramirez and Becerra recorded back-to-back singles before Kassidy Munoz drove in the game's first run with an RBI single up the middle.

Southern Utah added to its lead in the second, capitalizing on defensive miscues. After Michelle De la Cruz reached and moved into scoring position, Taralyn Ollison delivered an RBI single to left. A pair of Utah Tech throwing errors allowed two more runs to score in the inning, helping the Thunderbirds extend the lead to 4-0.

They pushed it to 5-0 in the third when De la Cruz connected on a solo home run to left center, giving Southern Utah early control.

Utah Tech responded from there, scoring twice in the third before erupting for five runs in the fourth. After trimming the deficit to one, Kennedy Embrey delivered the deciding swing with a three-run home run to put the Trailblazers in front 7-5.

Utah Tech added two more in the fifth and broke it open in the sixth with a three-run homer from Kinley Pappas, sealing the 13-5 win.

Southern Utah managed just three hits over the final three innings as Utah Tech completed the comeback behind timely hitting and a big middle innings surge.

On Deck

The Thunderbirds will continue the series against the Trailblazers on Saturday, March 28, at noon. Live stats for the game will be available on the schedule link at suutbirds.com, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

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