CEDAR CITY, Utah — Southern Utah continued its 2026 campaign with a mid-week matchup in the state capitol on Wednesday afternoon. The Thundebirds fell behind early in the game with the Utah Utes, eventually dropping the contest 18-0. The T-Birds fell to 9-13 on the year as they next turn their focus to this weekend's Orange and Black Classic and Idaho State University in Pocatello.
Game Summary
Southern Utah had an early opportunity but couldn't cash in. Taralyn Ollison worked a leadoff walk, then moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Michaella Salvatierra. McKenzy Becerra followed with a single to put runners on the corners with one out. The Thunderbirds were held scoreless despite putting two runners on, finishing the inning with one hit and two left on base.
The Utes wasted no time getting on the board, as Mia Gomez launched a solo home run to deep right field to lead off the inning. After a pair of flyouts and a single, the Utes began to string things together with two outs. Shonty Passi singled and stole second, setting up Payton Crank's two-run single to center. Crank moved to second on the throw and later scored on an RBI single. Utah totaled four runs on five hits in the frame to take an early 4-0 lead.
The Utes struck again in the bottom of the second inning, putting together three hits in a row with two outs to double their lead before the Thunderbirds were able to shut them down. Utah led 8-0 at the end of the frame.
Utah added on in the bottom of the third inning, continuing to surge at the plate. The Utes scored on a bases-loaded walk before the next batter drove a long grand slam to center field.
The hits didn't stop coming for Utah as they led off the bottom of the fourth with another home run and added a second two-run shot later in the inning to make the score 16-0. After a hit, the Utes got another long ball to left field to make the score 18-0.
The T-Birds would get a couple of baserunners in the top of the fifth, but Utah was able to shut down the threat quickly, ending the game in five innings.
On Deck
The team will continue its trek north to the Orange and Black Classic in Pocatello, Idaho. The Thunderbirds will take on Idaho State at 2:00 p.m. MT on Thursday, 1:00 p.m. MT on Friday and Saturday, while they matchup with the University of Maine at 10:30 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday. All games are set to be broadcast on ESPN+, and live stats will be available on the schedule link at suutbirds.com.
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