After being swept in a three-game road series against Texas Tech, the University of Utah softball team (12-31, 4-11 Big 12) returned to Salt Lake City. Over the weekend, the Utes engaged in a three-game battle with the visiting Arizona State Sun Devils.
Friday
The two teams opened up the series with a late Friday afternoon match at Dumke Family Softball Stadium. After holding the Sun Devil offense hit-less in the first inning, the Utes recorded the first hit and stolen base in the bottom of the frame. Despite the early development of a runner into scoring position, Arizona State escaped the inning with no damage.
The Sun Devils opened the scoring in the top of the second frame, as an RBI single scored a run, while a fielding error in left field allowed the batter to advance to second. Then, on the next play, an impressive throw from left field earned the out at the plate for the Utes, preventing a second run from scoring.
It didn’t take long for Utah to respond either. In the bottom of the second, a two RBI triple from Reese Lee gave Utah the one-run lead. Later, in the top of the third and with two runners on, a wild pitch allowed Sun Devil runners to advance to prime scoring position. Then, a ground-out to the shortstop allowed a run to score, tying the match at two runs a-piece.
From there, strong defense stole the show for both teams. Back-to-back scoreless innings maintained the knotted score, and it wasn’t until the top of the sixth when the tie was broken. An RBI single into left-center field regained the lead for the Sun Devils, sparking their offense.
A two RBI single into right field, along with an Arizona State runner stealing home, tacked three more runs on to their advantage. A hit and an error brought in another run, moving the total to five runs in the inning.
Down to their last six outs, the Utes looked to rally late and get themselves back in the game. Despite their motivations, they were unable to score. A ground-out to first ended the game for Utah, sealing the victory, 7-2.
Saturday
Looking to bounce back from the loss, the Utes returned to the field on Saturday. The Sun Devils got off to a hot start, quickly earning a runner in scoring-position with a hit and a wild-pitch. From there, an RBI double to right field gave Arizona State the early lead.
A strong defensive inning for the Sun Devils resulted in a five-pitch bottom of the first. The Utes held their own in the top of the second, only giving up a lead-off single, then earning three quick outs.
The Sun Devils returned to their scoring ways in the top of the third, scoring their second run of the game on a sacrifice-fly. The Utes were quick to respond, though, with their offense evolving in the bottom of the frame. With runners on second and third with two out, a single up the middle from Kennedy Proctor scored both runners, tying the game.
The Utes found themselves with another scoring opportunity in the fourth inning. With a runner on second, a single from Taylor Jacobs allowed Rio Mendez to advance to third before being thrown out at home plate.
In the top of the fifth, the Sun Devils opened the inning with a lead-off triple. Then, a single into left field scored the runner, restoring the Arizona State lead. From there, the game proceeded with strong defensive showings, with neither team scoring in the final innings.
In the bottom of the seventh, down one run, the Utes found themselves in an excellent position to tie the game. With two outs and the bases loaded, Jolie Mayfield was up to bat, looking to drive in the runners. With a full count, a swinging strike ended the game, closing out the 3-2 Sun Devil victory.
Sunday
Sporting their all-white uniforms, the Utes returned to the field early Sunday, looking to avoid the series sweep. The Utah defense had a strong start, forcing Arizona State to go three-up, three-down in the first inning.
Despite the strong defense, Arizona State broke the scoreless tie in the second inning, scoring three runs on three hits. From there, three scoreless half-innings helped maintain the Sun Devil lead. Finally, the Utes eventually found themselves with an excellent scoring opportunity in the bottom of the fourth.
Earning runners on two singles, a two-out single from Lee helped the Utes score their first run of the game. The Sun Devils responded nearly immediately, with a one-run home-run in the following frame reestablishing their three-run lead. Later in the same inning, a second homer scored three more runs, bringing their advantage to six.
Down big, the Utes looked to generate late offense and complete the case. Unfortunately for Utah, this wasn’t the case. The Utes fell short of scoring a run in their final three innings, unable to surpass the Sun Devil defense. Ultimately, Arizona State claimed the win over the Utes, 7-1.
Up Next
The Utes will return to Dumke Family Softball Stadium this Tuesday to take on in-state rival Weber State. After that, Utah will travel south to Provo to take on BYU over the weekend. Tuesday’s game will begin at 5 p.m. MST and will be broadcast via ESPN+.
