The University of Utah softball team lost both games played on Saturday at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Cathedral City, California. The Utes were defeated by Loyola Marymount University (LMU) with a score of 7-5 and later fell to Cal Baptist University, 5-4.
In the first game against LMU, the Lions took an early lead with an infield hit and a two-run home run in the opening inning. The third inning saw LMU extend their advantage after a lead-off single and an error led to five runs, including a three-run home run by Cristina Jones. Utah’s relief pitcher Anna Reimers limited LMU’s offense for the next three innings, allowing only one hit.
Utah attempted to respond offensively, loading the bases in the fourth inning but managed only one run from that opportunity. In the seventh inning, Mia Gomez hit a two-run home run for Utah, followed by two walks that brought Cian Noli to bat. Noli delivered a two-run single, bringing up the tying run; however, LMU was able to halt Utah’s rally.
In their second game against Cal Baptist, Utah started strong with back-to-back RBI hits from Cian Noli and Shonty Passi in the second inning for an early 2-0 lead. Cal Baptist answered in their half of the second with runs scored on a wild pitch and a two-run single. Errors and walks helped Cal Baptist add two more runs in the fourth.
Pitchers Shelbee Jones and Raci Miranda held Cal Baptist to just one hit over six innings while striking out seven batters combined. In the sixth inning, Danika Wilson’s two-run double brought Utah within one run but they could not tie or take the lead before being retired in order in their final at-bat.
With these results, Utah’s record moves to 10 wins and 5 losses for the season.
The Utes are scheduled to play UC Riverside on Sunday as they conclude their participation at this year’s Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic.
Fans can follow updates about Utah softball through social media platforms such as Twitter (@Utah_Softball), Instagram (@utahsoftball), and Facebook (Facebook.com/Utessoftball).
