Following their first Big 12 series victory, the University of Utah softball team (12-24, 4-5 Big 12) returned to the Dumke Family Softball Stadium to take on the Houston Cougars. A threat of rain on Saturday reformatted the weekend to a double-header on Friday and a final game on Sunday. With the three game series, the Utes looked to raise their conference-play record above .500.
Friday
In the first game of the double-header, the Utes’ offense came to play, finding their groove early. In the first inning, the Utes opened their scoring on a two-RBI triple from Kennedy Proctor. Then, singles from Shonty Passi and Kayla Lyon brought in three more runs for the Utes.
After scoring five runs in the first inning, the Utah onslaught did not stop there. Jolie Mayfield continued the scoring for the Utes in the second inning with a two run double, scoring Kaylah Nelsen and Shelbi Ortiz.
Then, a second RBI double from Proctor extended the Ute lead to eight. After further developments, a three-run home run from Passi vaulted the Utes to an 11-run lead. Then, an RBI single and a run scored on an error capped off an eight-run inning for Utah.
After a scoreless third inning, the Utes returned to their scoring ways in the bottom of the fourth. With Sianni Sakai on third and Ortiz on first, a successful double steal allowed the Utes to score another run.
At the top of the fifth and with the threat of the run-rule being enacted, the Cougars looked to prevent the shutout. An RBI single finally opened the scoring for Houston. Then, an error and a bases-loaded walk scored two runs for Houston, cutting the Utah lead to 11.
Despite the late developments for Houston, the Utes closed out the game in the fifth, winning 14-3 due to the run-rule. Shelbee Jones earned the win in the performance, moving her record to 6-9 on the year.
In the second game of the day, it was the Cougars who found themselves with the early start. After a walk, a sacrifice bunt, and a wild pitch, Houston quickly earned a runner on third. Then, a double to right field scored the first run of the game.
Utah was quick to respond though, as a lead-off homer in the second inning from Proctor tied the game at one run apiece. An RBI single in the third allowed for the Cougars to once again regain their lead.
The Houston offense continued to produce in the top of the fourth. A bases-loaded walk for the Cougars moved the score to 3-2. Then, a grand slam into center field advanced the Cougar advantage to six runs.
A scoreless fifth inning made way for an excellent opportunity for Utah in the bottom of the sixth. A one-run homer for Passi cut the Houston lead to five. Despite the damage, the Cougars did not lose their motivation, scoring two runs in the top of the seventh.
Down to their last three outs, the Utes looked to complete an impressive comeback. An RBI single for Mayfield, closely followed by a three-run home run for Proctor, cut the deficit to three runs.
Later, an error resulted in two more Ute runners scoring, bringing them within just one run of the lead. Then, after Nelsen was intentionally walked, a walk-off grand slam from Emily Capobianco completed the impressive comeback, securing the 12-9 victory.
Sunday
Wearing their pink uniforms on Sunday, the Utes looked to earn their first series sweep of the season. Jones started in the pitching circle for the Utes, where she got off to a hot start. Over the first two innings, Jones struck out three Cougar batters, while the Utes kept the Cougars scoreless.
Despite the strong Utah defense in the opening innings, Houston’s offense found their stride in the top of the third. On an RBI play, the Cougars quickly took the one-run lead. Then, as the result of back-to-back RBI-singles, the Houston offense expanded their lead to four runs.
After a scoreless bottom of the third for the Utes, the Cougars looked to extend their lead once again in the fourth. Following a triple and a walk for Houston, the Utes decided to change pitchers, bringing in Hailey Maestretti. With a sacrifice fly to center, the Cougars tacked on another run, bringing their lead to five after four.
Following a scoreless fifth inning, the Utah offense made their way on to the board in the bottom of the sixth inning. A double from Capobianco made way for a two-run homer from Proctor, bringing the Utes within three of the Cougar lead.
Heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Utes looked to continue their late-game magic and rally. The Utes had a promising start to the frame, with back-to-back singles and no outs. Despite the optimistic situation, three straight outs ended the game, resulting in a 5-2 Houston victory.
Up Next
Following the series victory over the Cougars, the Utes now prepare for their second conference-play road trip of the year. Traveling to Lubbock, Texas, Utah will battle the Texas Tech Red Raiders in a three-game series next weekend. Each of the games will be broadcast via ESPN+.
