PHOENIX, Ariz. – Utah State softball (13-9, 0-0 MW) closed out a two-game slate at the Purple Classic with a loss Sunday afternoon in Phoenix, falling to San Diego 6-2. 
 
The Aggies had seven hits to San Diego's eight and created many opportunities, but 11 USU runners were left stranded throughout. Both sides struggled to score in the early innings, the teams combining for a single hit through two innings. Junior right-hander Carly Limosnero, who started the game in the circle for USU, took care of the first seven batters in order, but the Toreros found success in the bottom of the third, going up 3-0 after an RBI single and a two-RBI double in back-to-back at-bats. 
 
The Aggies scored their first run of the day in the fourth when a single to left field from senior infielder Claudia Medina brought junior outfielder Kya Pratt around from second, but San Diego countered with another run of its own in the bottom of the inning after drawing a bases-loaded four pitch walk. 
 
In the fifth inning, The Aggies cut the deficit to 4-2 when a sacrifice fly from junior infielder Alex Bunton scored junior catcher Grace Matej. San Diego once again answered in the bottom of the inning, though, tacking on two more runs. Utah State continued to create chances in the closing innings, but struggled to turn hits into runs as two runners were left in scoring position in the sixth, then one more in the seventh.  
 
In the pitching circle, Limosnero played the first 2.2 innings with three earned runs allowed, before being relieved by junior Denay Smith, who took the next 1.0 innings with one earned run. Junior Rylie Pindel took the Aggies the rest of the way, allowing two earned runs. 
 
As a team, Utah State went .250 (7-for-28) at the plate, with Medina (2-for-3) and Pratt (2-for-4) leading the way. 
 
Up Next
Utah State (13-9, 0-0 MW) will play again tomorrow with a single contest against No. 7 Arizona. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. (MT) in Tucson. 
 
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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