LOGAN, Utah – Utah State softball (12-22, 3-11 MW) played the first two games of a Mountain West series against San Diego State Saturday, splitting the contests. The Aztecs took the first game, 6-3, but the Aggies bounced back to take the second, 10-7. 

GAME ONE
The first game of the day started off in the Aggies' favor, as USU took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Utah State got its first two runners on base as senior designated player Leah Molina was hit by a pitch and senior outfielder Stephanie Reed singled to left field. A double from freshman second baseman Zaia Castruita then sent Molina home. Junior catcher Gabriella Jimenez went on to walk, but the half-inning ended on a fielder's choice. 

Both teams got runners in scoring position in the second, but it wasn't until the third inning that the Aztecs took the lead. A lead-off home run gave SDSU its first run of the day, while a single and another homer followed to put the Aztecs up 3-1. 

A double and a single combined to give San Diego State an additional run in the top of the fourth. The Aggies cut into the deficit in the bottom of the inning, as junior shortstop Lexi Orozco lifted a lead-off home run over the scoreboard. 

The Aztecs added another dinger with solo shot in the top of the fifth, while their final run of the game came on a wild pitch in the sixth. Utah State made one last push in the bottom of the seventh, as Castruita singled to right field and senior third baseman Kennedy Hira reached base on an error. A passed ball advanced both runners, while a groundout sent Castruita home. The rally ended there, though, as a strikeout ended the game. 

Junior Kapri Toone started the day in the circle for USU, pitching five complete innings before being relieved by senior Delaney Hull. Together the two pitchers struck out four batters and walked three. The Aggies recorded seven hits in the game while allowing 10 off the Aztec bats.

GAME TWO
San Diego State took the early lead in the second game, plating a run before the Aggie defense had even made an out. The Aztecs got one additional runner around to third, but a pop-up to Castruita avoided further damage. SDSU added to its lead in the second, taking advantage of two errant throws by the Aggies. A pair of singles resulted in two runs scoring for the Aztecs. USU made a pitching change then, with the final out coming on the first batter freshman Jessica Stewart faced. SDSU made it a 4-0 game in the top of the third after a lead-off double where the runner advanced on a groundout and scored on a wild pitch.

Utah State got two runners in scoring position in the bottom of the second, but didn't score until the third. The Aggies loaded the bases on two walks and a double. With two outs on the board, Hira singled to right field and cleared the bases as all runners earned another base on the throw. The Aztecs intentionally walked Orozco, then made a pitching change. Jimenez then came up with her ninth home run of the season, giving USU a 6-4 lead. 

USU extended its lead in the fourth with another four runs. Molina hit a lead-off single, followed by a home run from Reed. After one out, sophomore first baseman Makenzie Macfarlane homered to right center, driving SDSU to go back to its starting pitcher. Hira then reached on an error, but was out as Orozco hit into a fielder's choice. Jimenez and sophomore outfielder Mazie Macfarlane then each added a single. As Orozco started to run home, the Aztecs looked to make the play at the plate. The SDSU catcher dropped the ball, allowing Orozco to score, but then made the throw to second where the final out of the inning was made. 

The Aztecs cut into USU's lead in the top of the sixth, scoring three runs on two home runs. Toone then came in to relieve Stewart. SDSU was able to get the tying run to the plate, but the final out was made and the Aggies avoided any further damage. 

Hull was the starting pitcher in the second game, but Stewart was credited with the win. Toone also recorded her first save of the season. In all, Utah State recorded 13 hits while allowing 14 from San Diego State. The Aggies finished the game with three errors, while the Aztecs had two.

Utah State and San Diego State will play the final game of the series on Sunday, April 25, 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.