Utah Tech lost its fourth consecutive game after being walked off by Santa Clara, 5-4 in 10 innings, on March 15 at Stephen C. Schott Stadium.
The result marked the end of a three-game series sweep for Santa Clara and left Utah Tech with a record of 13-7. The Trailblazers had struggled offensively in the first two games but quickly found their rhythm in the finale. Kyle McDaniel led off the game with a home run on the first pitch, followed by solo home runs from Ryan Kroepel and Miller Durham later in the inning, giving Utah Tech an early 3-0 lead.
The Trailblazers extended their advantage to 4-0 in the second inning when Kace Naone singled home Ty Johnsen. Junior pitcher Brandon Kosel started strong for Utah Tech, striking out five batters and allowing only one hit over his first five innings.
Santa Clara responded with three runs in the sixth inning, narrowing Utah Tech’s lead to one run. Kosel was removed from the game after giving up consecutive hits that included a two-run double by Tate Medicoff. Despite holding onto their lead into the ninth inning, Utah Tech could not close out the win as Hunter Fujimoto tied the game for Santa Clara with an RBI single.
In extra innings, Waylon Walsh secured victory for Santa Clara with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly. All nine Trailblazers reached base during the game, and seven recorded hits. McDaniel and Durham each had two hits as Utah Tech outhit Santa Clara nine to seven. Kosel finished with a career-high five strikeouts over 5.2 innings but did not factor into the decision.
Utah Tech is scheduled to return home to face BYU on Tuesday, March 17 at Bruce Hurst Field.
