FULLERTON, Calif. – Utah State softball opened its 2021 campaign Friday, falling to Oregon State, 6-1, and Cal State Fullerton, 5-4, at the Titan-hosted Easton Invitational.

GAME ONE
Oregon State took the lead early with a pair of singles and a wild pitch, but the Aggies didn't trail long, bouncing back to even the score in the top of the second. Junior first baseman Gabriella Jimenez drove a hit down the right field line, that was later ruled to have bounced off the top of the fence, declaring it a home run.

The Utah State defense retired eight batters in a row between the first and third innings, but the Beavers found a groove in the bottom of the fourth. A pair of doubles, a walk and a hit batter resulted in three runs coming across for OSU. USU's best chance to come back came in the top of the sixth, as three-straight batters worked their counts full. Those long at-bats resulted in two walks and a fielder's choice, but a strikeout sent the Aggies back to the dugout.

Oregon State secured its win with a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth. USU got one runner on through a single in the top of the seventh, but the final out was made before she could get home.

Junior Kapri Toone made the start for the Aggies in the circle, recording two strikeouts and two walks in her five innings of work. She was relieved by freshman Jessica Stewart in the bottom of the sixth, who added one strikeout in her two batters faced.

GAME TWO
The Aggies trailed early again against Cal State Fullerton, as the Titans put a run on the board in the bottom of the first inning. Utah State looked to respond in the second, loading the bases on three walks before a fly ball ended the half-inning.

The Aggies did battle back in the third, however, taking a 4-1 lead. Senior outfielder Stephanie Reed and senior designated player Leah Molina opened the inning with back-to-back singles. Then with one out, Jimenez drove out her second home run of the day. Senior third baseman then followed with a home run of her own, forcing a Titan pitching change. Utah State got another three runners on base with two fielder's choice plays and a walk, but two were left stranded.

USU's lead didn't last long, unfortunately, as Cal State Fullerton tied things up again with three runs in the bottom of the inning. Utah State was retired in order through the next three innings, while the Titans reclaimed the lead on a triple in the fifth. The Aggies made one last push in the top of the seventh, getting runners on through a Cal State Fullerton error and a fielder's choice, but were unable to cross the plate again.

Stewart was the starting pitcher for the Aggies Friday night. She was briefly relieved by senior Delaney Hull, but reentered to finish the game. Stewart had two strikeouts in the game, while the two combined to walk six batters.

Action from the Titan Classic continues on Saturday with rematches against both of today's opponents. USU will take on Oregon State at 2 p.m. (MT) and Cal State Fullerton at 4:30 p.m. The game against the Beavers will be streamed on FloSoftball, while the contest with the Titans can be found on BigWestTV.

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.