LOGAN, Utah – Down to its final out of the series, senior third baseman Kennedy Hira blasted her second home run of the game to lift Utah State softball (9-11, 1-2 MW) to a 6-5 win over Fresno State Sunday. 

The grand slam was the first for the Aggies since the 2019 season, when Lexi Orozco also recorded one against Fresno State. Additionally, it was the first walk-off grand slam for Utah State since the 2010 season, when Shasta Tyteca hit one to end a game against Nevada due to the run rule. 

Battling back from a 5-2 deficit, the Aggies loaded the bases after the first two outs were made in the bottom of the seventh inning. Senior outfielder Stephanie Reed was first on with a bloop single to right field, while junior first baseman Gabriella Jimenez added a single in left. Orozco then drew a walk to fill the bags. With a 1-1 count, Hira then drove a ball deep over the right field fence, giving Utah State its first win over Fresno State since 2017. 

Utah State battled through the whole game, looking for its chance to strike. Reed started the game on a high note, hitting a lead-off double that would be her first of three hits on the day. The Bulldogs were first to score though, plating two runs in the third inning on a solo home run and a pair of singles. 

The Aggies tied the score in the fourth, starting with Hira's first home run of the game coming in the lead-off spot. USU added back-to-back singles from sophomore outfielder Mazie Macfarlane and freshman second baseman Zaia Castruita. A passed ball at the plate gave Macfarlane the opportunity to run home and even the score at 2-2. Sophomore catcher Makenzie Macfarlane added a walk before the first two outs were made, forcing Fresno State to pull starting pitcher Hailey Dolcini for just the second time this season. 

Fresno State took the lead back in the top of the sixth on a two-run home run, then used a pair of doubles to add an insurance run in the seventh inning. A pinch-hit ball went deep into left field and looked ready to clear the fence, but a jump and save from Mazie Macfarlane ended the half-inning. The Bulldog defense had retired 10 Aggie batters in a row before Reed got on base in the seventh, starting USU's late rally.

Junior Kapri Toone pitched the full seven innings for the Aggies Sunday, throwing her second complete game of the series. She finished the day with three strikeouts and four walks. 

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.