POCATELLO, Idaho — Southern Utah split a doubleheader on Friday, picking up a huge win over the University of Maine in game one, 10-1, dropping the second game to Idaho State 9-6. The Thunderbirds improve to 10-14 on the year.
Michaella Salvatierra, Kassidy Munoz, McKenzy Becerra, and Arianna Ramirez each collected three hits on the day as the T-Birds had plenty of offense. Becerra was just a triple short of the cycle on the day, scoring a single, double, and a home run over the two games. The Thunderbirds' freshmen combined for nine RBIs on the day, four coming courtesy of the Grand Slam by Savannah Lira, while Becerra added three and Alayna Ma'ake contributed two. Sophomore Isabella Knight also picked up her first career home run, a three-run shot in game two.
In the circle, Riley Nielson was incredible in game one, holding the Black Bears to just one run on four hits and striking out nine batters. Nielson got the win for her incredible effort.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"Tough turnaround for our group today after the weather wiped out yesterday's game, but I was really proud of how the team showed up ready to compete. We came out aggressive in the first game, Riley set the tone in the circle, and the offense did a great job putting pressure on them. In the second game, we dug ourselves a hole, but the fight to get back within one run says a lot about this group. It wasn't perfect, but bouncing back the way we did shows the resilience this team has."
Game 1 Summary
Southern Utah started the scoring in the first inning with three straight singles from Salvatierra, Becerra, and Ramirez to make the score 1-0. Kassidy Munoz followed that up with a two-RBI double to make the score 3-0 at the end of the first.
Maine got on the board in the top of the second inning with a single, a stolen base, and another single before the T-Birds were able to shut them down, keeping the score at 3-1.
Pitcher Riley Nielson continued to dominate the Black Bears, and the offense added another run in the fourth inning when Salvatierra tripled to left field, scoring Taralyn Ollison and making the score 4-1.
The Thunderbirds exploded for six runs in the bottom of the fifth inning behind a string of big hits. Ramirez, Munoz, and Michelle De la Cruz opened the inning with consecutive singles to load the bases before Freshman Savannah Lira blasted a grand slam to deep left field for her first career home run. After a pitching change, Alayah Toscano drew a walk and stole second, setting the stage for Alayna Maake, who delivered a two-run home run to left in a pinch-hit appearance, ending the game 10-1 by run-rule.
Game 2 Summary
Idaho State opened the scoring in the bottom of the first thanks to three doubles. The Bengals first got on the board when Jenna Kearns doubled, scoring two runs. ISU would add two more in the inning to take a 4-0 lead.
Sydney Groves homered to left field, scoring three runs in the bottom of the second for Idaho State and making the score 7-0.
In the top of the third, the Thunderbirds finally got on the board when McKenzy Becerra homered to right field, scoring three runs.
Sophomore shortstop Isabella Knight homered to left field in the top of the fourth, scoring three runs to bring the T-Birds within one run, 7-6.
The Bengals would hang on, scoring two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to extend the lead to 9-6 for the final score. Delaney Baker took the loss for the T-Birds. The starter went one-third of an inning, surrendering four runs on five hits, striking out none, and walking none.
On Deck
The team will continue the Orange and Black Classic in Pocatello, Idaho, tomorrow. The Thunderbirds will take on the University of Maine at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday before wrapping up with Idaho State at 1:00 p.m. Both 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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