After being swept in their first Big 12 conference series, the University of Utah softball team (10-23, 2-4 Big 12) returned to Salt Lake City for their first home series of the season. Over the weekend, the Utes engaged in a three-game in-conference battle against the Kansas Jayhawks. Heading into the game with a 0.267 winning percentage, the Utes hope to turn their season around.
Friday
The first match-up on Friday afternoon saw a Jayhawks’ offense that came to play. At the top of the first inning, an RBI triple for the Kansas team quickly gave them a two-run lead with no outs. Thankfully for the Utes, a bunt-out, a strike-out, and catching a Jayhawk runner stealing got them out of the frame with no further damage done.
The Utes responded in the bottom of the first, where a missed ball by the Jayhawk defense allowed Kaylah Nelsen to score. Later, in the top of the second, a three-run homer for Kansas extended their lead to four, effectively diminishing Utah’s previous run.
The Jayhawks furthered their lead in the top of the third, this time with a two-run home run. Then, a second Kansas homer in the frame brought the game to 8-1. In the bottom of the inning, an RBI single for Kennedy Proctor and a bases-loaded walk earned two runs for the Utes.
The Utes’ next great opportunity came in the bottom of the fifth inning. With the bases loaded and only a single out, Utah looked to cut into the Kansas lead. Then, back-to-back two RBI doubles for Kayla Lyon and Shonti Passi brought the Utes within one.
After three scoreless frames for Kansas, the Jayhawks once again found their stride in the top of the seventh. Two runs for the Kansas teams reestablished their three-run lead. Later, in the bottom of the seventh, the Utes found themselves down to their last two outs.
Despite the danger of the scenario, the Utes completed a successful rally, aided by RBIs from Emily Capobianco and Jolie Mayfield tying the game, respectively. With the match now drawn, the game progressed into extra innings.
After three scoreless frames, the Utes were presented with an excellent opportunity to earn the win. With two runners on, Capobianco hit a walk-off three-run homer to win the first game of the series for Utah, 13-10.
Saturday
The Utes returned to the field on Saturday morning, sporting their all-red uniforms, with the opportunity to clinch the series victory. Shelbee Jones started in the pitching circle for the Utes, where she looked to earn her seventh win of the year.
The Utes’ offense found its spark early, with a single from Proctor driving in two runs. Utah went on to further expand their lead in the second inning with RBIs on a double and a single from Lyon and Nelsen, respectively.
After a scoreless third, the Utes’ offensive success returned in the fourth inning. With a runner on second, a single from Nelsen brought in the fifth run of the game. The Jayhawks finally found success in the fifth inning, where they scored their first run of the game.
Later, in the sixth, Kansas scored their second run of the game as two Utah outfielders collided whilst catching a fly-out. Thankfully for the Utes, neither player was injured. From there, the Utes defense held the Jayhawks scoreless in the remaining frame, leading to the 5-2 Utah victory.
Sunday
On Sunday’s sunny afternoon, the Utes took the field for the final game of the series with aspirations to complete the series sweep. After a scoreless first, Kansas opened the scoring with an RBI single in the bottom of the second inning.
Later, in the top of the third, a Jayhawk line drive that just barely found fair territory scored the second run of the game. Then, after further developments, a Ute throwing error allowed a third Kansas run to score.
A lead-off triple and a wild pitch allowed for Shelbi Ortiz to score the Utes’ first run of the game in the bottom frame. Later, in the bottom of the fifth, the Utes further cut into the Jayhawks lead with a one-run home run from Proctor. Soon after, a single into right field for White brought in a run, tying the game.
In the top of the sixth, a fielding error at third base delayed the Utah throw, allowing the Jayhawks to score and regain the lead. Looking to respond and down to their last out, a clutch Utah single from Mayfield evened the score.
After a scoreless eight innings, Kansas scored the first run of extra innings in the top of the ninth. In the bottom of the frame, the Utes looked to rally once more and stay alive. Despite their previous comeback success, they ultimately fell short, dropping the match, 5-4.
Up Next
Following their first Big 12 series victory, the Utes will welcome the Houston Cougars to Salt Lake City this weekend. The three-game match-up at Dumke Family Softball Stadium will be Utah’s final series in the month of March. Each of the games will be broadcast via ESPN+.
