LOGAN, Utah  – Utah State softball (17-11, 1-2 MW) took down Idaho State in its home opener Tuesday afternoon at LaRee and LeGrand Johnson Field, defeating the Bengals 6-4. 
 
Idaho State struck first with a first-inning one-RBI single, but the lead didn't last for long as Utah State bounced back with a sacrifice fly in the first by sophomore infielder Alex Bunton to score freshman outfielder Tatum Silva, followed by a two-RBI home run over the right field fence by junior infielder Giselle Gonzalez, her sixth homer of the season to make it 3-1. 
 
A one-run home run in the second by the Bengals narrowed the gap, but senior outfielder Ali Ashner doubled in the third to score Bunton from third. ISU scored a single run in the fourth and sixth innings to even things up at 4-4, but the last two runs belonged to Utah State. Ashner stepped up to deliver her third home run of the season in the sixth inning, a one-run shot, before a sacrifice bunt by junior infielder Ariel Fifita scored junior infielder Claudia Medina to help secure the win. 
 
In total, USU recorded eight hits to Idaho State's seven, led by two apiece from Ashner and sophomore catcher Grace Matej. 
 
On the mound, redshirt sophomore Denay Smith started and pitched the first five innings for the Aggies, posting three strikeouts and facing 24 batters. Sophomore Tess Bumiller and senior Jessica Stewart took the sixth and seventh innings, respectively, neither allowing a hit as Bumiller was awarded the win and Stewart the save. 
 
Up Next
Utah State (17-11, 1-2 MW) now hosts its first home games of Mountain West play, facing Boise State in a 3-game series. The first game is set for Friday, March 22, at 4 p.m., at LaRee and LeGrand Johnson Field. 
 
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.
 
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