The Utah baseball team (11-18, 8-4 in Pac-12) suffered its fourth-straight loss to an in-state rival (UVU and BYU) after falling to the Cougars by eleven runs, 14-3, on Tuesday evening. Despite Utah’s conference success (8-4 in Pac-12), the team has struggled against non-conference opponents (3-14), especially against in-state rivals.
The Utes will have a third chance on May 17 against the Cougars in Salt Lake City after now dropping the first two games of the in-state series.
Utah’s Tanner Thomas (0-1, 6.30 ERA) made his second start of the season, allowing five runs on four hits and a walk. After facing just 10 batters, he was substituted out for Nolan Stouder (8.44 ERA), who faced two batters before allowing three more runs. The Utes surrendered a disappointing nine runs in the bottom of the third inning.
Relief pitcher Andre Jackson silenced the Cougars (21-5) temporarily by throwing three innings, allowing just one run on three hits and racking up four strikeouts. Josh Tedeschi (5.40 ERA) pitched for the Utes in the eighth inning, allowing two unearned runs and one hit with three walks, while Lars Lofrgen (4.91 ERA) finished off the final 1 1/3 innings, earning a strikeout.
BYU appeared unstoppable offensively early on, whereas the Utes’ offense had a lackluster performance, totaling a mere four hits by Cody Scaggari, Max Schuman, DaShawn Keirsey, Jr. and Hunter Simmons.
Down 11-0 after three innings, the Utes crossed home plate for the first time off an RBI double by Scaggari, and Marruffo contributed another run with a sacrifice fly. Josh Rose, hit by a pitch, would score the Utes’ final run in the sixth inning off an RBI single from Simmons.
Although the Utes have struggled mightily in non-conference games, the team is currently still tied for first place in the conference with Cal. Following the tough loss, the Utes will return to Smith’s Ballpark for a ten-game home stand.
The Utes will return to the field on Friday evening to begin a three-game series against UC Riverside. The first game of the non-conference series will start at 7 p.m. MST.
@ArmenMShrikian