LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Utah State softball (25-19, 10-4 Mountain West) split the first two games of its series at UNLV (31-11, 9-5 MW) as the Aggies lost 6-0 in Game 1 before bouncing back with a 3-2 comeback victory in Game 2.
 
USU and UNLV played five innings of Game 1 on Friday night before the game was postponed to Saturday due to a lighting issue with the Rebels leading 4-0. UNLV scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth on Saturday to win 6-0. The Aggies recorded three hits in the game as senior shortstop Lexi Orozco had a pair of singles, while junior center fielder Mazie Macfarlane hit a double.
 
The Aggies took an early lead in Game 2 after a solo home run to left field from sophomore second baseman Zaia Castruita in the top of the second.
 
The Rebels responded with two runs in the bottom of the third for the 2-1 edge. Neither team scored in the next three innings.
 
Castruita drew a walk in the top of the seventh and junior Tyler Thornton entered the game as a pinch runner for Castruita. Junior first baseman Makenzie Macfarlane scored Thornton to tie it at 2-apiece with a double to right field while advancing to third on the throw. A sacrifice fly from senior left fielder Emily Tidd brought Makenzie Macfarlane home to give the Aggies the 3-2 advantage heading into the bottom of the frame.
 
UNLV put runners on first and second with one out in the bottom of the inning, but a 6-3 double play sealed the 3-2 Utah State victory.
 
Freshman Mia Reynolds pitched a complete game in Game 1, walking two batters. Senior Kapri Toone followed suit with a complete game of her own in Game 2, recording two strikeouts and four walks during her time in the circle.
 
Utah State and UNLV conclude the series with Game 3 on Sunday, April 24, at noon (MT).
 
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 –