RENO, Nev. – Utah State softball (9-13, 1-3 MW) opened a three-game series at Nevada (12-8, 3-1 MW) Thursday, falling to the Wolf Pack, 10-5. 

The two teams battled hard and early Thursday. After two strikeouts to start the game, the Aggie bats came alive. Junior shortstop Lexi Orozco singled down the left side, then scored on a double from senior third baseman Kennedy Hira. Freshman second baseman Zaia Castruita also added a single before the half-inning ended. Nevada quickly responded, also using three hits to bring a run across in the bottom of the inning. 

Things only intensified in the second inning, with the teams combining to score six runs. Sophomore catcher Makenzie Macfarlane led off the inning with a home run to left field. After one out, senior outfielder Kayla Fielder delivered a single to left, scoring on a home run from senior outfielder Stephanie Reed. Utah State got two additional runners on, but Orozco was caught stealing to end the inning. 

Nevada picked up right where the Aggies left off, opening the home half of the inning with a home run. A single, followed by back-to-back doubles brought in two more runs for the Wolf Pack, tying the score at 4-4. 

Runners continue to reach base on both sides through the next two innings, but no one got anything across until the bottom of the fourth. The Wolf Pack took the lead when a runner who had reached on a USU error scored from third on a single. Nevada loaded the bases again, where another two runs scored on a double down the left field line. After the Aggies made a pitching change, an error and a stolen base put two runners in scoring position and both then crossed the plate on a single to left center. The Wolf Pack added two more base runners before the USU defense ended the inning on a fielder's choice. 

Utah State started the fifth inning with three consecutive singles. A pair of strikeouts followed, but a single from Reed sent Castruita home to cut the deficit to 9-5. Nevada continued to add to its total in the bottom of the inning with a solo home run after two outs had been made. A double followed before Delaney Hull ended the inning on a strikeout. 

After the Aggies opened the sixth with a walk, Nevada moved to its third pitcher of the day. Hira then reached on a fielder's choice and Mazie Macfarlane added a single, but both were left stranded. The USU defense held the Wolf Pack in the bottom of the sixth, despite allowing two baserunners, but the Aggies were retired in order in the top of the seventh, ending the game. 

Junior pitcher Kapri Toone started the game in the circle for USU, throwing 3.2 innings before being relieved by Hull. Together the two allowed 13 hits while striking out five batters and walking five. The Aggies finished the game with 14 hits, but had three errors to Nevada's one. 

Utah State and Nevada continue the series with a doubleheader on Friday, April 2. The first game will start at 1 p.m. (MT), with the second following 30 minutes later. 

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.

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