LOGAN, Utah – A defensive battle came down the seventh inning Friday, but Utah State softball fell to Fresno State, 5-2.

With the loss, Utah State falls to 13-24 on the season, including a 4-12 Mountain West ledger. Fresno State improves to 29-14 overall and 7-7 in conference play.

In a major change of pace from Thursday's series opener, Friday's game turned into a much more defensive battle. Both teams retired the respective side in the first inning, before the Bulldogs scored the first run of the day in the top of the second on a pair of doubles. 

Utah State did not get a batter on base until the bottom of the fourth, but used an offensive surge to take the lead that inning. Sophomore outfielder Stephanie Reed hit a bunt single to lead things off, while freshman shortstop Lexi Orozco added a bunt of her own. A double from freshman second baseman Kenzie Bolin brought Reed home to the score at one, while a single from junior designated player Allanah Alvarado put the Aggies ahead as Orozco scored. 

Fresno State answered to even the score again with a solo home run off the scoreboard in the top of the fifth. Orozoco and Alvardao added a pair of hits in the bottom of the sixth, but were both left stranded at the end of the inning. The Bulldogs then found an offensive stride in the top of the seventh, using three hits and a fielder's choice to bring in three runs and retake the lead. Pinch hitting, juniors Ryann Holmes and Erin Kuba hit a double and single, respectively, but a fly out ended the game in Fresno State's favor. 

On the day, the Aggies out-hit the Bulldogs, 8-7, while Fresno State had one error. Freshman Kapri Toone pitched the complete game for USU, striking out two batters without giving up any walks. 

The series between Utah State and Fresno State will conclude on Saturday, April 20, at noon.

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.