Utah Tech secured victories in both games of a doubleheader against Northern Colorado on Saturday at Bruce Hurst Field, improving its season record to 10-1.
In the first game, Utah Tech built an early lead by scoring six runs over the first three innings. Miller Durham contributed with a two-run single in the opening frame, and Gavin Long added a two-run double in the third inning. Starting pitcher Dakoda West struck out five batters and allowed just one run over four innings before Northern Colorado closed the gap to 6-5 late in the game. Ryan Kroepel earned his fifth save by retiring Logan Pruski for the final out.
Durham and Kace Naone each had two hits as Utah Tech collected seven hits in total during the opener.
The second game saw Northern Colorado take an early lead with two runs in the first inning, but Utah Tech responded with seven unanswered runs. Finnegan Stewart hit his first home run of the season and finished with four hits and four RBIs. The Trailblazers’ bullpen limited Northern Colorado to three runs over five innings, with Jackson Price pitching two scoreless frames in his debut and Talan Kelly striking out all three batters he faced in the ninth.
Petey Soto Jr. hit a three-run homer, while Long added a solo home run. Freshman Mays Madsen went 2-for-3 with a double in his first collegiate start.
Kyle McDaniel extended his school-record on-base streak to 52 consecutive games after recording hits in both contests.
Utah Tech will look to complete a series sweep when it faces Northern Colorado again on Sunday afternoon at Bruce Hurst Field.
