Utah defeated Cincinnati in a closely contested baseball game by a score of 13-11 on March 22 at the UC Baseball Stadium.
The game was marked by multiple lead changes, with Utah trailing 11-10 entering the ninth inning. Jake Long started the final rally with a base hit, followed by Cameron Gurney drawing a walk to put runners in scoring position. Bradley Navarro then delivered a two-out double to tie the game. After Nevan Noonan was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Matt Flaharty singled to left field, bringing in two runs and giving Utah the lead.
Pitcher Ian Lenius began the bottom of the ninth before Kaden Soder entered and recorded his first save for Utah. Soder struck out two batters and secured the win with a ground out while facing the tying run at the plate.
Utah’s offense featured contributions from eight players who combined for 14 hits, including seven doubles—a season high for the team. Luke Jacobs had two doubles in one game, marking a first for Utah this season. Long extended his hitting streak to 16 games, tying for Utah’s longest since 2019. Gurney and Daniel Arambula also extended their respective hitting streaks.
Gurney contributed four runs batted in, highlighted by a three-run home run that gave Utah an early lead. Navarro homered for his second time in the series while Noonan added two hits and scored once.
Cincinnati narrowed gaps throughout but could not overtake Utah after late-inning rallies from both teams. Lenius pitched a scoreless eighth inning before Utah’s decisive surge in the ninth sealed their victory.
Utah is scheduled to return home next for a non-conference matchup against BYU on Tuesday night at Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark.
