LOGAN, Utah – Utah State softball battled in its longest game of the season Saturday, but ultimately fell to Fresno State, 7-5, in nine innings. 

With two home runs in the game, freshman shortstop Lexi Orozco set a new program single-season home run record. Orozco has now hit 13 homers this season, passing the previous record of 12, which had been done three times. Additionally, she now takes sole possession of third place on the single-season RBI record list with 43 on the year.

Utah State ends the weekend with an overall record of 13-25, including a 4-12 ledger in Mountain West play. Fresno State improves to 30-14 on the year with an 8-7 conference record. 

The Bulldogs were able to load the bases in the top of the first as they drew three walks off Aggie pitcher Kapri Toone. Fortunately USU was able to get out of the jam, making the final out on a slow grounder back to Toone. Utah State followed suit in the bottom of the inning with one walk, but junior designated player Allanah Alvarado was left on base.

The first hit of the day went to Utah State, as senior first baseman Bailee Trapp hit a double off the first pitch she saw in the bottom of the second. A pair of full-count walks followed, loading the bases with just one out on the board, but the Bulldog defense made two quick outs to leave all runners stranded.

For the first time in the series, Utah State was first to score in Saturday's game. With two outs already recorded, Orozco and Trapp got the Aggies on the board with back-to-back solo home runs in the bottom of the third. Unfortunately, that lead didn't last long, as the Bulldogs answered in the top of the fourth. After a lead-off double, the Aggie defense recorded two outs, but a home run near the right field foul pole tied the score at two. 

The Aggies responded well in the bottom of the inning, where Plogger led off with a double to center field. Freshman second baseman Kenzie Bolin then drew a walk, while Alvarado was hit by a pitch to load the bases. A sac fly from Orozco then gave Plogger the chance to score, putting the lead back in Utah State's favor at 3-2. 

Fresno State's offense found a spark in the sixth inning. After hitting a lead-off double, the Aggies made the force out to keep a runner at first on a bunt. However, a double followed, scoring that runner and tying the score at three. The Bulldogs' third baseman then hit her second home run of the day, giving Fresno State a 5-3 lead.

The back-and-forth action of the game continued in the bottom of the sixth. With two outs on the board, sophomore outfielder Stephanie Reed drew a four-pitch walk. Orozco then came up with her record-breaking home run, tying the score at five. When neither team was able to score in the seventh, the Aggies were faced with their second extra-innings game of the year. 

Both teams had opportunities in the seventh inning, but both defenses made solid plays to keep runs from scoring. It didn't take long for Fresno State to take the lead in the ninth though, as the first pitch of the inning resulted in a home run to left field. Another pair of singles followed, bringing a second run in and creating a 7-5 deficit for the Aggies. Utah State opened the home half of the ninth with a base hit from junior outfielder Ryann Holmes, earning her third single of the day. The next three batters were retired, with the game ending with Fresno State making a diving catch in foul territory. 

In all, Fresno State out-hit Utah State, 14-9, and the Aggies had two errors in the game. Toone made the start in the circle for the Aggies for the second game in a row, but was relieved by sophomore Delaney Hull after the first inning. Hull struck out five batters, while the two combined to walk four. 

Utah State will play its final road series of the Mountain West season next week as it heads to San José State. The Aggies and Spartans will open play on Friday, April 26, at 7 p.m. (MT), followed by a 1 p.m. game on Saturday, April 27. The series will conclude on Sunday, April 28, 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.