Box Score

FULLERTON, Calif. -

Pitt 3, Utah State 2

Utah State 5, Cal State Fullerton 2

Utah State softball opened the 2018 season Friday, splitting the first day of the Titan Classic, hosted by Cal State Fullerton. The Aggies fell to Pittsburgh, 3-2, in the opening game, but defeated the host Titans, 5-2, to end the day.

On the day, sophomore outfielder Riley Plogger led USU at the plate, where she hit .833 (5-of-6), including two home runs. Freshman outfielder Leah Molina batted in the lead-off spot, going .571 (4-of-7) on the day. On the mound, sophomore Kellie White and freshman Delaney Hull each pitched a complete game. White allowed five hits while striking out five batters against the Panthers, while Hull made her collegiate debut with the same numbers.

Four Utah State freshmen saw the first action of their collegiate careers, Friday, including three in the starting lineup. Molina and shortstop Emery Marshall started both games, while Hull came in to pitch against Cal State Fullerton. Kennedy Hira and Stephanie Reed both came in as a pinch hitter.

"Today was a good day overall. The loss to Pitt was disappointing, but there were certainly positives. Kellie threw really well and we had every opportunity to win, but just didn't capitalize on some key opportunities," said USU head coach Steve Johnson. "Our speed did what we expected it to do, and Leah and Jazmin had a great day at the top of the lineup. We don't have four or five power bats in a row like we have in the past, so we just need to be better with our opportunities."

Utah State took the lead early against Pitt, one they would hold until the sixth inning. Leading off with a single to third, Molina then stole second. Senior outfielder Jazmin Clarke followed with a single to move Molina to third base, also stealing second on the next at-bat. After one out, Molina put the Aggies on the board, scoring on a single from senior catcher Brina Buttacavoli. The Aggies would get one more runner on before the end of the inning, but junior designated player Bailey Lewis was left stranded.

Through the next four innings, Utah State added another two hits, allowing two from the Panther offense. In the top of the sixth, the Aggies added to their lead, as Plogger and Buttacavoli hit back-to-back doubles. Unfortunately, the Pitt comeback started in the bottom of that inning, as the Panthers hit two consecutive home runs to tie the game. Pitt made a pitching change to start the seventh, who retired the Aggies in order. With two outs in the bottom of the inning, the Panthers drew a walk, followed by a single to drive in the winning run.

Utah State put up seven hits against the Panthers, while giving up five. The Aggies had one error in the game.

"I was really proud of how we bounced back in the second game against Cal State Fullerton," Johnson said. "Delaney threw a great game in her debut, and our speed with Leah and Jazmin created some great opportunities and Riley was able to capitalize on them."

Returning to the field that evening, the Aggies again struck early, taking a 1-0 lead in the first. Plogger hit her first home run of the day with two outs to put Utah State on the board.

The Aggies added two more singles before allowing the first Titan hit in the bottom of the third. There, Cal State Fullerton led-off with a double, with the runner then advancing to third on a sac bunt. With runners on second and third, the Titans scored on a wild pitch from Hull. After a fielder's choice and a stolen base, Cal State Fullerton then took the lead after scoring on a sac fly.

Utah State was able to retake the lead in the top of the fifth, as Molina and Clarke again combined to get on the board. With two outs, Molina singled to center, then stealing second. She moved to third on a wild pitch, scoring as Clarke singled to shortstop. Plogger followed with her second homer of the night, bringing Clarke home as well.

The Aggies gave up two more Titan hits in the sixth, but added a security run in the top of the seventh. Molina got on base with her third hit of the game, advancing to second on a defensive error. Clarke singled to move Molina to third. A sac fly from Plogger then brought Molina across the plate. The Titans drew a walk to open the bottom of the seventh, but the Utah State defense retired the next three batters to end the game.

Utah State out-hit the Titans, 9-5, on the night, while each team committed one error.

"We're still a work in progress with so many new starters, but we just have to keep learning from everything that happens," Johnson said. "We played two tough teams right out of the gate and held our own, now we just need to keep getting more comfortable."

Action from the Titan Classic will continue Saturday, Feb. 10. The Aggies will take on Middle Tennessee at 1:30 p.m. (MT), followed by Loyola Marymount at 4 p.m.

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.