Utah State softball lost the first game of its three-game series against Nevada, 13-6, on March 20 at LaRee and LeGrand Johnson Field.
The outcome puts Utah State at a season record of 13-16 overall and 2-2 in Mountain West play. The Wolf Pack took control early by scoring multiple runs in each of their first four innings at bat. Utah State responded in the bottom of the fourth inning by loading the bases through walks from senior catcher Grace Matej and freshman catcher Sofia Trejo, along with a hit-by-pitch for freshman infielder Jazmin Ramirez.
Senior pitcher Denay Smith drew a pinch-hit walk to bring in Utah State’s first run. Sophomore outfielder Faith Kroening then hit a bases-clearing triple, narrowing the gap. Senior catcher Kaylee Erickson followed with a two-run home run, bringing Utah State’s total for the inning to six runs and cutting Nevada’s lead in half.
Nevada answered with an RBI single in the fifth inning. Despite opportunities late in the game, Utah State was unable to add more runs as Nevada secured the win. Seniors Rylie Pindel, Sydney Saldaña, and Carly Limosnero pitched all seven innings for Utah State, combining for four strikeouts. Kroening led offensively with two hits—a double and a triple—alongside four RBIs and one run scored. Erickson contributed two hits including her fifth home run of the season.
Utah State will continue its series against Nevada on Saturday at noon at LaRee and LeGrand Johnson Field.
