Utah State University’s softball team lost both games in a doubleheader against Kansas on Friday at Arrocha Ballpark in Lawrence, Kansas. The Aggies were defeated 7-1 in the first game and 18-2 in the second, which was called after five innings.
In the opening matchup, Utah State struggled offensively and managed only two hits compared to Kansas’ ten. The Jayhawks scored all seven of their runs via home runs, with solo shots coming in four consecutive innings and a two-run homer in the fifth. Utah State’s only run came in the sixth inning when senior outfielder Kya Pratt hit an RBI single that brought home senior infielder Kenzee Olsen.
Three pitchers appeared for Utah State: senior Rylie Pindel started and pitched four innings, freshman Kendall Cochran threw for two-thirds of an inning, and senior Denay Smith finished with one and two-thirds innings.
The second game saw Utah State take an early lead by scoring twice in the first inning. Senior infielder Grace Matej singled to start things off, advanced to third on a fielding error by Kansas, and then scored on a single from freshman infielder Jazmin Ramirez. Sophomore outfielder Faith Kroening reached base during this sequence as well. Alex Bunton added another run with an RBI fielder’s choice.
Kansas responded immediately by tying the game with two runs in their half of the first inning. The Jayhawks continued their offensive output over the next three frames, scoring five runs each in the second and third innings and six more in the fourth.
Five pitchers took turns for Utah State during the second contest: senior Carly Limosnero started before Ramirez, freshman Jordan Lish, senior Sydney Saldaña, and Smith also saw action.
Utah State now holds a 10-12 record overall (0-0 MW). The Aggies will finish their three-game series against Kansas tomorrow at 1 p.m. Mountain Time before returning home for their opener against Idaho State next Tuesday at 4 p.m.
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