Box Score

LOGAN, Utah -

Utah State 7, Nevada 6

With a late comeback in the sixth inning, Utah State softball defeated Nevada, 7-6, in the second game of the series Friday.

With the win, Utah State improves to 26-24 on the season with a 12-11 Mountain West ledger. Regardless of the results of the series finale Saturday, the Aggies have secured a winning record for the year, the fist USU team to do so since 1996. Additionally, the 12 Mountain West victories are the most conference wins for Utah State since the 1996 squad won 17. With the loss, Nevada falls to 31-15 on the year with a 9-10 league record.

"For the program, this is a big win and it's been a huge focus for us. For as bad as last night was, we came out and fought all day long. It wasn't easy as we got down early, but we chipped away and people came in clutch," said Utah State head coach Steve Johnson. "It's a very satisfying feeling. I'm excited for the kids to leave this legacy. Now we control our destiny for the conference finish."

Freshman Katie Schroeder was the starting pitcher for the Aggies Friday, as she pitched 3.2 innings. Junior April Brown then entered the game in relief, earning the win and improving to 7-5 on the season. Together, the two allowed eight hits while walking four batters and striking out another four. Pinch hitters played a big role for the Aggies, as a single from junior Paxton Provost and a home run from junior Sydney Hart led to the USU victory.

"April came in and did a great job. She's a different type of pitcher with some funky movement, but when she's dialed in, she's hard to hit," Johnson said. "I was really proud of her, especially getting those outs in the seventh inning. Nevada has some great hitters, so it was clutch for her to come in and keep moving the ball and making them miss."

Looking to pick up where it had left off the day before, Nevada opened the game with a solo home run in the first at-bat of the day. The trend continued in the top of the second, as the same situation played out, as the Wolf Pack took the 2-0 lead on another out-of-the-park hit.

The Aggies responded in the bottom of the second inning though, tying the score at two. Senior first baseman Libby Pederson led-off with a single, with freshman Mia Maher entering the game to run for her. Junior shortstop Sarina Jaramillo followed with a single of her own, but a series of misplays by the Nevada defense gave her time to advance to third base and bring Maher across the plate. Jaramillo then scored as senior catcher Kirstyn Namba grounded out to second.

After opening the top of the third with a flyout, Nevada added another home run to its total to retake the lead. The Aggie defense held the next two batters though, ending the attempt. The Wolf Pack then extended its lead in the top of the fourth, adding three runs, despite two early outs. After a two-run single, USU made its pitching change and ended the top of the inning on the next batter.

The Aggies continued to chip away at Nevada's lead in the bottom of the fourth with another set of runs. Jaramillo was first on base with a single, advancing to second on a passed ball at the plate. A single from junior third baseman Victoria Saucedo turned into an extra base on the throw, getting Jaramillo home. Saucedo then scored as junior second baseman Kylie-Rose Dickson reached on a fielder's choice and moved to second on the throw.

After allowing just one walk in the top of the fifth, Utah State cut the deficit to a single run in the bottom of the inning. With runners on first and second, a single from Saucedo scored junior outfielder Alleyah Armendariz.

The bottom of the sixth became the pivotal inning for the Aggies as the defense held off the Wolf Pack, while the offensive side added two runs to take the lead for good. Pinch hitting, Provost led-off with a single to second base, while Dickson re-entered to run. With one out on the board, Hart took the plate for senior outfielder Sarah Chow, hitting the only USU home run of the day and scoring Dickson. Utah State then retired the first three Nevada batters in order in the top of the seventh, ending the game.

Utah State will wrap-up the 2016 season Saturday, May 14. The Aggies will conclude the series against Nevada, with first pitch set for 11 a.m. Prior to the game, USU will honor its senior class.

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