The University of Utah softball team recorded a decisive 18-0 victory over Southern Utah on Wednesday at Dumke Family Softball Stadium in Salt Lake City. Five different players hit home runs, helping the Utes reach their highest single-game run total since 2012.
With this win, Utah extended its winning streak to eight games and improved its season record to 18-5. Head coach Amy Hogue commented on the performance, stating, “What a fun home opener for us to have. The bats got hot and never stopped today! And the shutout streak continues, which is fun for our pitching staff, which has been stellar, and our defense. I’m looking forward to playing Big 12 competition. It’s time to see how we compare to our conference foes.”
The scoring began early when Mia Gomez homered as the first batter of the game. Payton Crank contributed with a two-run single in the opening inning, while Emily Capobianco added an RBI single. In the second inning, Kayla Lyon drove in a run with a single before Shonty Passi doubled in another score and Crank followed with a two-run double.
Utah continued its offensive surge in the third inning when Lyon hit a grand slam after several teammates reached base through walks and hits. The fourth inning saw three more home runs: Cian Noli’s first collegiate homer, Kennedy Proctor’s round-tripper, and Izzy Cruz’s first career home run—a two-run shot.
The five home runs matched Utah’s previous high from March 7, 2020. The team’s 18 runs were also their most since scoring 18 against North Dakota on March 4, 2012.
Pitcher Shelbee Jones allowed only two hits while striking out five batters for her second complete game shutout this season. This marks five consecutive shutouts for Utah—their longest such streak since 2017.
Utah will begin Big 12 conference play on Friday with a three-game series against Arizona State in Tempe.
Fans can follow updates about the team through their official social media channels on Twitter (@Utah_Softball), Instagram (@utahsoftball), and Facebook (Facebook.com/Utessoftball).
