LOGAN, Utah – Utah State softball (12-23, 3-12 MW) wrapped up the weekend in a 13-10 loss to San Diego State Sunday. 

The Aztecs jumped out to a quick lead, hitting a home run on the second pitch of the game. The Aggies didn't waste any time responding, however, tying the score in the bottom of the inning. Senior outfielder Stephanie Reed opened the game with a double, while senior designated player Leah Molina reached on an SDSU error. A bunt single from freshman second baseman Zaia Castruita then sent Reed home. 

While it didn't come off the first batter of the inning, the Aztecs again added a solo shot to take the lead back in the top of the second. That lead again didn't last long though, as the Aggie offense exploded in the bottom half of the inning. 

After an out in the lead-off spot, junior shortstop Lexi Orozco and senior outfielder Kayla Fielder hit back-to-back singles. Reed was then hit by a pitch, loading the bases for USU. Molina drove a single down the left field line to score Orozco and keep the bags full. Castruita followed, hitting the Aggies' third grand slam of the season, putting USU up 6-2. After the second out of the inning, senior third baseman Kennedy Hira doubled past the second baseman, while junior catcher Gabriella Jimenez hit her 10th home run of the year. 

San Diego State slowly chipped away at the Aggies' lead, plating four runs over the next three innings. The Aggies made a pitching change prior to the third inning, but the Aztecs put two doubles and a single together to score twice. Utah State loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth, but a fielder's choice ended the inning before anyone could score. For the Aztecs, an Aggie error and three singles put another pair of runs on the board, putting SDSU within two runs. 

The Aztec offense continued to pour in the hits, while the defense kept the Aggies off the base paths. In the top of the sixth, San Diego State loaded the bases on two doubles and an intentional walk. The Aztecs then walked in a run and tied the game as a run scored on a groundout. 

The Aggies got back into things in the bottom of the inning, taking the lead back. Castruita and sophomore first baseman Makenzie Macfarlane hit back-to-back doubles to start the inning, trading places on the second hit. Hira added a single of her own, sending Macfarlane to third where she then scored on a sac fly from Jimenez. 

Unfortunately for USU, San Diego State really came alive in the top of the seventh. After a single bounced back to hit junior pitcher Kapri Toone, starter Jessica Stewart re-entered the game. After giving up a walk, a single sent a run home. With two outs on the board, a double brought two runs across to put the Aztecs back on top. They then followed that up with a two-run home run for some insurance before Macfarlane made the final out at first. The Aggies were retired in order in the bottom of the inning, ending the game. 

In all, the three Utah State pitchers allowed 17 hits, while walking three batters and striking out another three. The Aggie batters recorded 14 hits in the game. 

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.