LOGAN, Utah – Utah State softball (25-21, 10-7 MW) suffered its first shutout loss of the season, falling to UNLV 5-0 Friday afternoon at LaRee and LeGrand Johnson Field. This was the first part of a three-game series, the final home series of the year for USU. 
 
The Aggies got off to a slow start following a lightning delay just before first pitch which pushed the start of the game back an hour-and-a-half, then struggled to find any offensive rhythm. Four of UNLV's five runs and four of its nine hits came in the second inning, including a three-run home run over the left field fence.
 
Utah State had several opportunities, including loading the bases in the bottom of the third before recording an out, but was unable to consistently string hits together. UNLV's fifth and final run of the game came in the fourth inning on an RBI double down the right field line. The Rebels went down in order in three of the final five innings. 
 
USU recorded four hits to UNLV's nine, going 4-for-23 (.174) at the plate with no extra base hits. The four hits came from four different batters. 
 
In the circle, junior right-hander Rylie Pindel went all seven innings, giving up just four earned runs while facing 33 batters and throwing 123 pitches. 
 
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Utah State (25-21, 10-7 MW) will play part two of its three-game series against UNLV tomorrow at LaRee and LeGrand Johnson Field, with first pitch scheduled for 12 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.
 
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