Utah lost to TCU by a score of 4-3 in the series finale at Lupton Stadium on May 10. Seven different Utah players recorded hits, but the Utes were unable to overcome the Horned Frogs in a close contest.
The game was significant as it concluded the weekend series between Utah and TCU. Utah’s pitching staff allowed only three walks throughout the weekend, and defensively, the team played error-free baseball for the entire series.
Matt Flaharty gave Utah an early lead with an RBI single that also extended his hitting streak to six games. Cal Miller contributed with a single, a walk, and scored a run, reaching base for his 23rd consecutive game—the longest such streak by a Utah freshman since 2011. Seth Graham-Pippin took the loss after starting for five innings before Ryan Kittredge, Cameron Nielson, and Kaden Soder pitched in relief.
Utah started strong by scoring two runs in the second inning. Flaharty’s hit brought Miller home from second base, and later that inning Flaharty scored on a delayed double steal. In response, TCU scored three runs in their half of the second inning despite Jet Gilliam making a diving catch to limit further damage. The teams traded runs again in the third; Daniel Arambula hit his sixth home run of the season for Utah before TCU regained their one-run advantage.
The Utes threatened again in the fifth inning by loading the bases with one out but could not capitalize as TCU turned a double play. Relievers Nielson and Soder each worked out of difficult situations to keep Utah within striking distance through seven innings; however, Utah’s offense was held scoreless over its final four frames.
Looking ahead, Utah will finish its regular season with four home games beginning Tuesday against Utah Tech at Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark.
