Box Score

LOGAN, Utah -

Fresno State 5, Utah State 2

Utah State softball opened a three-game home series against Fresno State Friday, falling to the Bulldogs, 5-2.

With the loss, Utah State falls to 15-25 overall and 7-6 in Mountain West play, while Fresno State improves to 29-13 on the year with a 10-3 league record with its win..

Playing at the designated player spot, sophomore Alleyah Armendariz had the top offensive performance for the Aggies Friday as she hit her ninth home run of the season, while going 2-for-3 at the plate. With her homer, she drove in the only other run of the day, scoring sophomore first baseman Paxton Provost. Provost led the team defensively, tallying nine putouts. Junior Noelle Johnson pitched the full game against the Bulldogs, allowing 10 hits while walking four batters and striking out two.

Fresno State was first on the board Friday, striking early in the first inning. Brenna Moss opened the day earning a walk, later scoring on a single from Michelle Solomon. Kierra Willis followed Solomon's hit with a double to right center, giving Solomon time to run home. The Bulldogs then loaded the bases, but were shutdown by the Aggie defense.

Noelle Johnson and the rest of the USU lineup were able to retire the Bulldogs in order in both the second and fourth innings, with just one single allowed in the third. The Aggies were then able to answer Fresno State's runs and tie the game in the bottom of the fourth. With Provost on first with a walk, Armendariz sailed a home run over the right field fence, for the two runs.

The fifth and sixth innings were quick, with just three hits between the two teams. Bria Kennedy got on base for the Bulldogs in the top of the sixth on an error at third base, while Noelle Johnson walked in the bottom of the inning.

With the score still tied at two heading into the seventh, Fresno State attacked at the plate with another trio of runs. Willis hit a home run to left center, while simultaneously scoring Moss. A double from Kennedy pushed another run across the plate, giving the Bulldogs a three-run advantage. Unfortunately, Utah State was unable to answer as the batters were taken down 1-2-3.

Action against Fresno State continues Saturday, April 11 in USU's Stikeout Cancer game. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game, where the opportunity to donate to cancer research will be available. First pitch from LaRee and LeGrand Johnson Field is set for 4 p.m.

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.