Utah State softball lost to top-ranked Texas Tech 17-7 on Apr. 13, after holding the lead through five innings at LaRee and LeGrand Johnson Field.
The game was close until the sixth inning, with Utah State trailing by only one run before a late surge by Texas Tech. The Aggies’ defense kept the Red Raiders limited to two runs in the first three innings, both coming from a home run in the second. Texas Tech then added three runs in the fourth and another in the fifth for a 6-0 advantage.
Utah State responded strongly in their half of the fifth inning. Sophomore outfielder Faith Kroening drove in their first run with a single, followed by senior outfielder Kya Pratt’s grand slam that brought them within one run. After a pitching change, senior infielder Kaylee Erickson doubled and senior catcher Grace Matej hit a home run to give Utah State its first lead at 7-6.
However, Texas Tech answered with an eleven-run sixth inning, taking advantage of eight hits and three errors by Utah State to secure a win under college softball’s run-rule format. Pratt led Utah State offensively with three hits—including a home run—and four runs batted in. Matej also contributed two hits and a home run.
Senior Carly Limosnero pitched most of the game for Utah State, allowing eleven earned runs over more than five innings against thirty-four batters. Freshman Jordyn Lish and senior Rylie Pindel finished pitching duties for Utah State.
Looking ahead, Utah State (16-26 overall; 5-11 Mountain West) will play Weber State on Tuesday at Ogden with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m., broadcast on ESPN+.
