RENO, Nev. – With a 6-4 loss Saturday, Utah State softball moved to a series split in game two of three at Nevada. 

Junior outfielder Riley Plogger led the USU offense Saturday as she went 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs. 

Utah State falls to 9-12 overall and 1-1 in Mountain West play, while Nevada improves to 14-9 on the year and 1-1 in league action.

The Aggies were able to get a pair of runners on base in the first inning, but Nevada took the early lead in the home half of the inning with a solo home run. The Utah State offense found a spark in the second inning, where it scored all four of its runs. Senior first baseman Bailee Trapp hit a lead-off single, while freshman second baseman Kenzie Bolin was walked. Junior third baseman Erin Kuba then had a single of her own, as Plogger doubled to score two runners. A second double followed from freshman shortstop Lexi Orozco brought Kuba and Plogger home, giving the Aggies the 4-1 lead. 

The offensive pace set by the Aggies continued in the bottom of the inning, where Nevada scored another two runs. Three hits and a pair of walks put the Wolf Pack back within a run of the Aggies. Nevada made a pitching change as Utah State came back to the plate in the third, and she was able to control the Aggies, keeping them from scoring again. 

Nevada took the lead back in the fourth inning on a two-run home run, then added one more insurance run in the bottom of the sixth. Utah State was able to get one more hit in the top of the seventh with a single from Plogger, but she was left stranded as the game ended on a groundout. 

Both teams had eight hits in the game, while the Aggies had one error. Freshman pitcher Kapri Toone made the start for the Aggies, with sophomore Delaney Hull relieving her in the sixth inning. Toone struck out three batters and walked four in her five innings of work. 

The conference-opening series between Utah State and Nevada will conclude on Sunday, March 17, at 1 p.m. (MT).

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.