Photo by Jeff Barrett
By Cory McKendrick, USU Eastern Sports Information Contributor
The Utah State University Eastern baseball team battled in day two of its series with Colorado Northwestern Community College. The day was split with the Spartans winning game two (game one of the double-header) 4-1 and the Eagles winning game three (game two of the double-header) 4-3.
In the first seven-inning contest, it was somewhat of a pitcher’s duel. Connor Udy took the mound for the Eagles. He threw six innings, allowing four runs on five hits while striking out eight Spartans in the loss. Clifford Brown threw a complete game, allowing one run on five hits and striking out seven.
The Eagles had four defensive miscues in the game that played a role in the loss. Ethan Udy was 2-3 with a run scored and a double. Dawsen Hall was 1-3 with the lone RBI in the game for USU Eastern.
In the second seven-inning game, the Eagles jumped out to an early lead and were able to hang on for the victory. Hayden Brock pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on three hits and striking out seven. Brock was given the win and improved to 3-2 on the season. Kayden Stewart came on in relief and masterfully navigated out of an inherited bases loaded two out jam in the top of the sixth. Clinging to a one-run lead after being up 4-0, Stewart recorded the final four outs of the game and was credited with the save.
Hall, Dylan Sanchez, Ryder Peterson and Ethan Udy all drove in runs for the Eagles. Udy was 2-3 with two doubles in the game and his third double on the day. Hall and Ohlson had sacrifice flies and Peterson had an RBI single.
The finale of the 4-game series will be on March 7th from Colosimo-Carlson field. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. With the split on the day, the Eagles move to 2-1 in conference and 11-8 on the season.