LAWRENCE, Kansas — Utah State softball dropped both games of a doubleheader against Big 12-foe Kansas Friday afternoon at Arrocha Ballpark, falling 7-1 in the first contest before losing 18-2 in a five-inning second game. 

Utah State 1, Kansas 7
In the first contest of the day, the Aggies struggled to find offensive rhythm in a 7-1 loss.

Following a brief weather delay before first pitch, the Jayhawks started hot. The hosts got things started with a solo home run in the second, and were consistent through the next few innings, following with four more solo home runs, one in the third, one in the fourth and two in the fifth inning. Each of KU's seven runs of the day came from the long ball, as its final two runs came on a two-run homer in the fifth.

Utah State recorded its first and only run of the game in the top of the sixth inning. Senior outfielder Kya Pratt delivered an RBI single to left center, bringing home senior infielder Kenzee Olsen for the Aggies' lone run.

In total, Kansas out-hit Utah State 10-2.

Three pitchers spent time in the circle for USU. Senior Rylie Pindel started and threw for 4.0 innings. Freshman Kendall Cochran stepped in and took the next 0.2 innings before senior Denay Smith threw the last 1.2 innings.

Utah State 2, Kansas 18
In the afternoon game, the Aggies got off to a promising start but were unable to keep pace with Kansas as the Jayhawks recorded 17 hits in the contest. 

Both of Utah State's runs came in the top of the first inning, as a leadoff single by senior infielder Grace Matej was followed by a Kansas fielding error which allowed Matej to take third while sophomore outfielder Faith Kroening got on base. Freshman infielder Jazmin Ramirez then stepped up to take advantage with a single to left field, bringing Matej around the bags. Following the inning's first out on a fielder's choice, Alex Bunton used another fielder's choice for an RBI to make it 2-0. 

The Jayhawks quickly countered in the bottom of the inning with a pair of runs to even things up. While the Aggies were held scoreless in the next four innings, Kansas scored five in the second, five more in the third and six in the fourth to blow things open. 

The Aggies utilized five pitching arms across four defensive innings. Senior Carly Limosnero started the contest, while Ramirez, freshman Jordan Lish, senior Sydney Saldaña and Smith each took turns as well. 

UP NEXT
Utah State (10-12, 0-0 MW) will remain in Kansas to complete a three-game weekend against the Jayhawks tomorrow at 1 p.m. (MT) before its home opener next week against Idaho State Tuesday 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 -