TEMPE, Ariz. – Utah State softball had a dramatic start to tournament play at the Arizona State-hosted Littlewood Classic Friday, as the Aggies split a pair of run-ruled games. USU opened the day in a six-inning 11-3 loss to Central Michigan, but ended it with a five-inning 12-1 victory over San Diego.
Junior designated player/second baseman
Ryann Holmes had an explosive day at the plate for the Aggies, going a combined 5-for-7 on the day. Her four hits against San Diego tie the Utah State single-game record. Holmes also finished the day with six RBIs between the two contests.
With the split, Utah State has a 2-5 record on the year.
Utah State opened the day against Central Michigan with a big first inning, but was unable to carry the momentum through the game. After a lead-off walk followed by a fielder's choice, freshman shortstop
Lexi Orozco hit a home run to left field to give the Aggies an early lead.
Unfortunately that hot offensive start carried over to the Central Michigan half of the inning, as the Chippewas started with back-to-back doubles to get on the board. After just one out, CMU went on to score over five-straight at-bats to go up 6-2. The Aggies then made a pitching change and made the final out at the plate on a steal attempt.
Utah State had at least one base runner in all but one of the remaining innings, but plated its only other run on a solo home run in the top of the third. Central Michigan added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings, but cemented the run-rule 11-3 win with three solo home runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Utah State put together five hits to Central Michigan's 13, while the Aggies also had one defensive error. Freshman pitchers
Chloe Nightingale and
Kapri Toone split time in the circle against the Chippewas, combining for six strikeouts and two walks.
The Aggies returned to the field later Friday afternoon to take on San Diego. Much like the earlier game, Utah State jumped out to and early lead in the top of the first inning. After a lead-off single and a walk, both runners advanced on a groundout. A single up the middle from Holmes brought the first two runs of the game in.
USU added another pair of runs in the second inning to lead 3-0. After another lead-off single and stolen base, a single from junior outfielder
Riley Plogger brought senior outfielder
Mia Maher home. Holmes then continued her strong hitting with a double to bring Plogger across. The Toreros answered with a single run in the bottom of the inning, as three hits and a fielder's choice combined to bring a runner home.
The Aggies' two-run inning trend continued in the third to put USU up, 6-1. With loaded bases, Plogger added to her RBI total with a single to score junior third baseman
Erin Kuba and sophomore designated player
Leah Molina. After the USU defense retired the Torero's in order in the bottom of the inning, Orozco opened the inning with her second home run of the day. San Diego moved to its third pitcher of the game then, but two more hits and a walk extended Utah State's lead.
Utah State continued to dominate offensively in the fifth inning. Molina reached base on a San Diego error, taking second on the play. After two outs, Holmes blasted a two-run home run. Senior first baseman
Bailee Trapp followed with a single and scored on another USU dinger coming off Kuba's bat. The Toreros added one last hit in the bottom of the inning, but were unable to score, ending the game at 12-1.
In all, Utah State had a season-high 14 hits, while holding San Diego to five. The Toreros also had one error. Sophomore
Delaney Hull pitched the compete game, striking out four batters without giving up a walk.
Competition from the Littlewood Classic will continue on Saturday, Feb. 16. The Aggies will open the day against No. 4 Florida at 4:30 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. game against Illinois State. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, April 17, when USU plays No. 14 Arizona State at 1:30 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.
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