LOGAN, Utah – Utah State softball (21-18, 7-3 Mountain West) lost 10-9 to Nevada (13-28, 3-10 MW) at LaRee & LeGrand Johnson Field on Thursday.
 
After Nevada scored one run in the top of the third, Utah State brought home a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame to lead 2-1. Sophomore left fielder Libbie Hawker was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Freshman third baseman Claire Raley then was walked and the duo each advanced a base on a passed ball. Junior center fielder Mazie Macfarlane brought the pair home with a single down the left field line.
 
USU again scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth to lead 4-1. Freshman shortstop Ariel Lopez drew a walk to lead off and sophomore second baseman Zaia Castruita followed suit with a double to left center. Junior first baseman Makenzie Macfarlane scored Lopez with a bunt and Castruita scored the final run of the frame on an RBI single from senior designated player Emily Tidd.
 
The Aggies extended their lead to 7-1 in the bottom of the fifth. Mazie Macfarlane led off with a bunt single and senior catcher Gabriella Jimenez homered to right-center on the next at-bat. Makenzie Macfarlane singled up the middle and advanced to second on a wild pitch before scoring on a Nevada error.
 
Nevada scored one run in the top of the sixth to trim the lead to 7-2.
 
Utah State responded by scoring two more runs in the bottom of the frame. Mazie Macfarlane got the scoring started after drawing a walk and scored on a Jimenez RBI single and Wolf Pack error. Jimenez scored the final run on a wild pitch to extend USU's lead to 9-2.
 
Nevada came out hot in the top of the seventh, scoring seven runs in the frame to even things out at 9-apiece. The Aggies went down in order in the bottom of the seventh to force an eighth inning.
 
A Wolf Pack lead-off homer in the top of the eighth gave Nevada the 10-9 lead. The Aggies were able to get a runner in scoring position in the bottom of the frame, but a strike out sealed the 10-9 Wolf Pack win.
 
Four USU pitchers saw time in the circle on Thursday. Senior Kapri Toone made the start before being relieved by freshman Mia Reynolds in the top of the third. Reynolds pitched for 4.0 innings, recording seven strikeouts during her time in the circle. Reynolds was relieved in the top of the seventh by sophomore Jessica Stewart. Stewart was then relived by junior Nya Laing before Toone reentered the game in the top of the seventh as Toone recorded the three outs. For the day, Toone struck out one Nevada batter and walked three in her 4.0 innings of work.
 
The Aggies and Wolf Pack will face off in Game 2 on Friday, April 15, at 4 p.m.
 
For more information on the Utah State softball program, follow the Aggies on Twitter at @USUSoftball, on Facebook at USUSoftball and on Instagram at ususoftball.
 
– USU –