Utah State softball secured a 5-4 win over San Diego State on April 4, clinching the series with two victories in the three-game weekend at SDSU Softball Stadium.
The win marks Utah State’s first road series victory over the Aztecs in program history and its fourth overall series win against San Diego State, as well as the first since 2019. The result is significant for Utah State, which improved to a record of 16-21 overall and 5-7 in Mountain West play.
The Aggies took an early lead when sophomore outfielder Faith Kroening walked, stole second base, and was driven home by senior infielder Alex Bunton. The Aztecs tied the game at one after capitalizing on a walk and an error that allowed them to steal home. Both teams were quiet offensively until the fourth inning when senior catcher Grace Matej singled before Bunton hit her fifth home run of the season to put Utah State ahead by two runs.
In the fifth inning, senior outfielder Kya Pratt singled up the middle to extend Utah State’s lead to 4-1. San Diego State responded in the sixth with a leadoff triple followed by an RBI groundout. Pratt added insurance for Utah State with a solo home run in the seventh inning. The Aztecs rallied late, scoring two runs without recording an out in their final frame before a double play and putout ended their comeback attempt.
Bunton and Pratt led Utah State offensively, each going two-for-three at bat; Bunton drove in three runs while Pratt had two RBIs. Freshman right-hander Kendall Cochran started for Utah State and pitched nearly a complete game, allowing five hits and four earned runs across 29 batters faced for her third win of the season. Senior Rylie Pindel closed out the game for her first save this year.
Looking ahead, Utah State will return home next week to host Boise State at LaRee and LeGrand Johnson Field on Wednesday, April 8, with games scheduled at noon and 2:30 p.m.
