SALT LAKE CITY — Utah scored three unanswered runs in its final two at bats to come from behind and defeat BYU, 6-4, and even the Big 12 three-game baseball series 1-1 on Friday at Smith’s Ballpark.
BYU (17-15, 5-9 Big 12) scored four runs on nine hits, while Utah (14-17, 3-11) scored six runs on 11 hits. Starter Jaden Harris went a career-long 6.1 innings pitched while forcing 17 outs and throwing 58 strikes on 91 pitches.
“Jaden had a great outing for us on the mound, he competed his tail off and gave us a chance to win but we just couldn’t close the door,” said BYU head coach Trent Pratt. “On offense, we hammered some balls that we just couldn’t get past them.”
BYU Highlights
Luke Anderson: 3-5, RBI
Ryder Robinson: 2-5, Run
Tate Gambill: 1-1, Run, 3 BB
Cooper Vest: 1-4, Run, 2B
Game Summary
After two scoreless innings BYU got on the board first with a run in the top of the third. With two outs and Cooper Vest on first, Bryker Hurdsman tripled to right field for a 1-0 lead. Utah responded in the bottom half of the inning with two runs on two hits to jump ahead, 2-1.
The Cougars tied the game with another run in the fourth on a McChesney sacrifice fly to right field that scored Tate Gambill, who had walked to lead off the inning and advanced to third on a Parker Goff walk and a wild pitch.
After holding Utah scoreless in the bottom of the fourth, the Cougars retook the lead, 3-2, in the fifth on a two-out single to center field by Chipper Beck that scored Hurdsman, who had reached on a fielder’s choice and advanced to second on a passed ball.
The Utes evened the score in the bottom of the frame with a double and a single that tied the game at 3-3 through five complete.
With two outs in the top of the sixth, Cougar shortstop Ryder Robinson singled to right field and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Luke Anderson then hit a 3-2 fastball to left center for his third hit of the night to give BYU a 4-3 advantage.
Utah evened the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the seventh with a leadoff single, combined with a two-out double. After holding the Cougars scoreless in the top of the eighth, Utah took the lead for good with two runs off two hits and a hit batter for a 6-4 win.
Up Next
BYU and Utah will play the rubber match to determine the series winner on Saturday, April 12 at 2:00 p.m. MT at Smith’s Ballpark in Salt Lake City. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and the BYU Radio App.