Utah Tech won a decisive 12-2 run-rule victory over Azusa Pacific on April 11 at Bruce Hurst Field, led by Ty Johnsen’s home run and career-high four runs batted in, along with six strong innings from senior pitcher Dakoda West.
The game was significant as it allowed Utah Tech to even the weekend series against Azusa Pacific at one game each. The Trailblazers improved their season record to 21-13 overall and 2-1 in Western Athletic Conference play.
Utah Tech began the scoring in the first inning by turning a walk and two hit batters into two runs on a single from Cooper Smith. Although Azusa Pacific responded with two runs of its own in the second inning, Utah Tech answered back with three more runs to take a 5-2 lead after two innings. The Trailblazers then extended their advantage further by scoring four times in the fourth inning, highlighted by Mays Madsen’s single and stolen bases, followed by Johnsen’s home run over the left field wall that gave Utah Tech a seven-run cushion.
West settled into his outing after receiving strong run support, retiring twelve of fifteen Cougar batters he faced from the third inning onward. He finished with five strikeouts while allowing only two runs and six hits across six innings pitched. In relief, senior Brock Roundy struck out all three batters he faced in the seventh inning.
Offensively, Utah Tech recorded thirteen hits during the game. Madsen led with career highs of three hits and two runs batted in. Johnsen added his second home run of the season as part of his performance; Kyle McDaniel and Finnegan Stewart also contributed with two hits each.
The teams will face off again Sunday at Bruce Hurst Field for the final game of their three-game series, scheduled to begin at 12:05 p.m.
