POCATELLO, Idaho — Southern Utah once again split a doubleheader on Saturday, picking up a shutout win over the University of Maine in game one, 11-0, before dropping the second game to Idaho State 2-1. The Thunderbirds improve to 11-15 on the year.
Leadoff Taralyn Ollison collected four hits on the day with two RBIs. Freshman McKenzy Becerra racked up three hits and two RBIs on the day. Junior Arianna Ramirez and Sophomore Michelle De la Cruz each hit home runs in game one to help the T-Birds' offense produce a season high 11 runs in the game.
In the circle, senior Delaney Baker was outstanding, pitching a complete game shutout over five innings. Baker was excellent, allowing just two hits and striking out one. Hannah Duncan also pitched a complete game, throwing six innings and allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out five batters.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"Our offense really came alive in the first game, and Delaney gave us a great performance in the circle. The second game was a tight battle, and sometimes those just come down to one or two pitches. Hannah competed so well throughout the game, but we just didn't come up with the runs we needed to get her the win."
Game 1 Summary
Southern Utah opened up the scoring in the top of the first inning with two outs when Michaella Salvatierra scored on a wild pitch. The next batter up was Kassidy Munoz, who doubled to left center to score Arianna Ramirez from second, giving the Thunderbirds a 2-0 lead.
In the top of the third inning, the T-Birds doubled their lead with a pair of solo home runs by Ramirez and Michelle De la Cruz. With the bases loaded, Salvatierra smacked a hard ground ball to the shortstop to score Alayah Toscano. Freshman McKenzy Becerra hit a laser through the left side to score two more runs and extend the lead to 7-0.
In the top of the fourth inning, the Thunderbirds added on three more runs to make the score 10-0, including a two-run double by Taralyn Ollison.
The Thunderbirds went to the fifth inning with a big lead, but added an insurance run when Toscano singled to drive in Munoz and make the score 11-0. Delaney Baker slammed the door shut in the bottom of the fifth to end the game by run rule.
Game 2 Summary
Southern Utah and Idaho State were locked in a scoreless pitching duel through the first three innings, with both teams combining for just two hits during that stretch. The Bengals broke through in the bottom of the fourth inning when Sydney Groves launched a solo home run to left field to give Idaho State a 1–0 lead.
The Thunderbirds answered in the top of the fifth. De la Cruz reached after being hit by a pitch and moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Toscano. After advancing to third on a groundout, De la Cruz came home on a wild pitch to tie the game at 1–1.
Idaho State quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning. McDonald singled and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt before Jaden Moore delivered an RBI single to left field, bringing McDonald home to put the Bengals back in front, 2–1.
Southern Utah threatened late, collecting singles in both the sixth and seventh innings, including two hits in the final frame from Alayna Maake and Taralyn Ollison. However, Idaho State was able to strand the tying run and close out the 2–1 victory.
On Deck
Southern Utah will be back on the road next weekend in Los Angeles for the LMU tournament. The Thunderbirds will take on Portland State on Friday, March 13, at 4:30 p.m. MT, and on Saturday, March 14, at 1:30 p.m. MT. The T-Birds will also challenge the host team, Loyola Marymount, on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Live stats will be available on the schedule link at suutbirds.com.
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