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LOGAN, Utah -

Idaho State 13, Utah State 3

A dominant opposing offense combined with an off day for the Utah State pitching staff Wednesday, resulting in a 13-3 loss to border foe Idaho State.

Utah State utilized four pitchers in Wednesday's game, including freshman Paige Mills who made her first-career appearance. Combined, the four allowed 12 hits for the 13 runs. Overall, they walked four batter while striking out an additional five. Junior outfielder Sarah Chow led the USU offense with two hits in her three at bats, while junior pitcher Noelle Johnson, senior third baseman Nicole Arata and freshman catcher Brina Buttacavoli scored the three runs for the Aggies. Buttacavoli was also tops defensively with four putouts at the plate.

"We've got to be able to grow and learn from this. They're a good team. We talked about learning from them and their approach at the plate. We need to be better in the circle, but we need to grow from it. We're going to flush this game and get on the road to Reno tomorrow and get ready to be back in conference games."

With the loss, the Aggies fall to 9-20 on the season, while Idaho State improves to 17-13.

Idaho State opened with an early impact as Vicky Galasso homered to left field. The Bengals would go on to hold the Aggies scoreless through three full innings, scoring all 13 runs before USU was able to get on the board. Johnson made the start on the mound for USU, but was relieved by sophomore Alleyah Armendariz after the Bengals hit and scored off a back-to-back double and home run.

Armendariz had a strong start to her time in the circle, but the Idaho State offense exploded again in the third inning with another three runs. Mills was brought in for Armendariz, where the Bengals increased their lead to 9-0, scoring on an illegal pitch. The ISU hot streak continued through the top of the fourth, where the batters were all quick to advance around the bases on singles. Freshman Jordyn McCracken was brought in as the fourth pitcher of the day after another ISU home run, holding the Bengals scoreless for the remainder of the game.

The Aggies continued their streak of getting batters on base in each inning, but were unable to capitalize on hits until the bottom of the fourth. Buttacavoli doubled to center field, allowing Johnson to run home. Arata was next, crossing the plate on a passed ball. Buttacavoli then reached the plate on a ground out from Chow.

Idaho State didn't score in the top of the fifth, but the Aggies were still unable to answer and the game was called due to the run rule.

The Aggies return to Mountain West action this weekend in a three-game series at Nevada. Action from Reno begins at 5 p.m. (MT) on Friday, March 27 and continues in games on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and Noon, respectively.

Fans can follow the Aggie softball program on Twitter, @USUSoftball, on Facebook at facebook.com/USUSoftball or on Instagram, @ususoftball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at facebook.com/USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.

-USU-