After breaking their losing streak in the Judi Garman Classic, the University of Utah softball team (7-17, 0-0 Big 12) returned to the field for the Blue Collar Classic. Traveling north to Boise, the Utes anticipated a three game slate with the Idaho schools. The event was the Utes’ second-to-last prior the start of conference play.
Friday
The Utes opened the event on Friday afternoon against the Idaho State Bengals. Shelbee Jones started on the rubber for Utah, as she looked to turn around her 2-7 record on the year. The Utes, who entered the game under .500, were underdogs compared to the 14-6 Bengal team.
The Utes opened the game with a single in the top of the first, but were unable to capitalize on the early hit. The Bengal’s offense were quick to respond, earning a fast single in the bottom of the frame. A stolen base for Idaho State placed a runner in scoring position. Making the most of the opportunity, an RBI single scored the first run of the match for the Bengals.
From there, strong defensive performances from both teams kept the score stagnant in the early developments of the game. Earning hits in each of the first three innings, the Utes looked to break the Bengal lead, but were unable to score. Finally, the Utes broke the threshold with a strong fourth inning.
Jolie Mayfield earned the early walk, eventually making it to second on a throwing-error. With runners on first and second, a single from Shonty Passi loaded the bases for the Utes. A sacrifice fly from Kendall Lundberg scored the first run for Utah, tying the match. Then, an RBI single from White gave the Utes a one-run lead.
The strong Utah performance forced the Bengals into a pitching change, which promptly led to the end of the frame. Idaho State was unable to respond to the Utah offense in the bottom of the frame and the Utes continued to produce in the fifth inning.
A Kaylah Nelsen RBI single extended the Utah lead to two, while an RBI double for Mayfield brought another run in. Later, a bases-loaded walk scored the third Utah run of the inning. With the lead in their hand, Utah’s defense continued to dampen the Bengal offense. A two-run homer for Hailey Deter in the seventh inning ultimately sealed the deal, leading Utah to the 7-2 victory.
Utah’s Friday slate continued with a match-up against the Boise State Broncos later in the day. The Utes hoped to carry their offensive momentum into the fight with the Broncos, but to their disappointment, this was not the case.
After a scoreless first inning, Boise State went on to make their mark in the bottom of the second. A one-out homer brought in the first run of the game for the Broncos. After further developments, an RBI single extended their lead to two. Boise State closed out the inning with a two RBI triple, bringing the score to 4-0.
Later, in the fourth inning, the Utes were finally able to respond and get on the board. A lead-off double for Nelsen gave Utah the prime scoring opportunity. Then, an RBI single for Deter brought Nelsen in, cutting the Bronco lead to three runs.
Despite Utah’s comeback attempts, the ensuing Bronco onslaught put the game out of reach. In the bottom of the fourth inning, three straight singles for Boise State set up the grand-slam, extending their lead to seven.
Later in the frame, another homer tacked on two more runs. With a hit-less fifth inning for the Utes, the game was called early due to the run-rule. With the 10-1 Boise State victory, the Utes moved to .500 in the event.
Saturday
Looking to get back on the right foot, Utah returned for their final game of the event in a rematch with Boise State. The Utes started off the game strong, with an RBI single for Nelsen giving Utah the early 1-0 lead.
The Broncos responded with a two home-run in the bottom of the first, though, scoring three runs and regaining the lead. The Utes fought back in ample time with a two-run homer from Deter re-tying the match in the top of the second inning.
Continuing the early offense affair, the Broncos continued to produce in the bottom of the second. Two RBI singles for Boise State reclaimed the lead, 5-3. Then, with two runners on, the third Bronco home-run of the game brought in three more runs.
Down five heading into the third inning, the Utes looked for a spark. A home-run for Emily Capobianco scored another Ute run in third. Then, a three RBI fourth inning for the Utes brought them within one run of the Bronco lead.
Despite the Utah comeback, the Broncos extended their lead once again with another home-run and a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch. Utah looked for some late-inning magic to bring them back into contention, but three scoreless innings prevented the rally. The Broncos defeated Utah for the second time of the event, 10-7.
Up-Next
With the conclusion of the Blue Collar Classic, the Utes will head southeast to Pocatello, Idaho for the Black and Orange Classic. They open the event against the Washington Huskies and close-out with back-to-back games against the Idaho State Bengals. Each of the games will be broadcast via ESPN+.
