After falling to Utah Valley last Tuesday, the Utah baseball team (11-17, 8-4 in Pac-12) struggled out west in the Golden State against USC (15-15, 5-4 in Pac-12). The Utes fell in their first two games against the Trojans (Friday and Saturday), but their offense seemed awakened on Sunday, scoring 14 runs on the day to finish the series off with a 14-8 win.
The Utes began conference play exceeding expectations, but after losing the conference series to the Trojans, Utah was still determined to end their three-game losing streak. Utah combined for three home runs in its 14-run explosion.
Josh Lapiana clinched his second win of the season (2-3, 4.24 ERA) after throwing 6 2/3 innings, allowing 10 hits with a strikeout. Riley Ottesen would appear in relief to throw 1 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on three hits before being replaced by Dylan Drachler (five saves, 2.95 ERA), who allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit and two strikeouts.
Utah’s Cody Scaggari had a memorable day in the final contest of the series, going an incredible 5-for-6 from the plate with six RBIs, highlighted by his fifth inning grand slam. Both Josh Rose and Dallas Carroll would hit two-run home runs of their own to help add to the Utes’ growing lead. Carroll would have another RBI, giving him three on the evening, and Kellen Marrufo would collect two hits as well on the day.
The Utes are currently in the top tier of the Pac-12 standings and are hoping to remain there as they continue on the most successful season this program has had in the Pac-12. The Utes set a school record on Sunday afternoon with their eighth conference victory this season.
In the other games of the series, the Utes’ ace starting pitcher Jayson Rose (4-3, 2.85 ERA) earned the loss in Friday night’s matchup, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits with four strikeouts. Andre Jackson (7.15 ERA) who entered in relief, however, wasn’t able to provide the Utes with the relief needed, allowing two runs before Trenton Stoltz (3.00 ERA) finished the game, throwing for 2/3 of an inning.
After having his place in the batting order adjusted, Dallas Carroll (.275 batting average) led Utah offensively, going a solid 3-for-4 on the evening. Joining Carroll with multiple hits on the evening were Cody Scaggari (two doubles and two runs) and Josh Rose.
Despite only scoring two runs on the evening, the Utes’ offense performed well at the plate, out-hitting the Trojans 11-5. However, Utah struggled to rack up RBIs, totaling 13 runners left on base. Utah fell on Friday night to USC by a score of 5-2, despite having the better offensive numbers.
In the Saturday game, Dalton Carroll (2-4, 5.65 ERA) started the game for Utah, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits. Josh Tedeschi (5.91 ERA) made his 10th appearance of the season out of the Utes’ bullpen, throwing 2/3 of an inning, allowing two runs on two hits.
However, the Utes’ pitchers finished strong, with Riley Ottesen throwing a two-strikeout shutout eighth inning and Nolan Stouder (5.91 ERA) finishing the game with a shutout inning himself.
DaShawn Keirsey, Jr. (.296 batting average), the Utes’ leadoff hitter, began the game with a double before advancing to third and then scoring, following a Hunter Simmons sacrifice fly for his 13th RBI of the season (tied for 2nd on the team). The Trojans rallied together for a four-run inning, eventually putting the game out of reach, with the Utes falling to the Trojans in consecutive days, this time by a score of 6-1.
The Utes will take all of the momentum they can from Los Angeles, as they will be returning to Salt Lake City in preparation for their Tuesday road game at 6 p.m. MST in Provo at Larry Miller Field, home of the BYU Cougars.
@ArmenMShrikian