Utah Tech won a close 9-8 victory over Azusa Pacific on Apr. 12, securing the series at Bruce Hurst Field.
The result is significant as it gives the Trailblazers a key win in their three-game weekend set, improving their record to 22-13 overall and 2-1 in Western Athletic Conference play. The win came after Utah Tech overcame an early deficit and held off a late comeback attempt by Azusa Pacific.
Utah Tech trailed early but tied the game with an RBI single from Miller Durham before taking the lead with a three-run fifth inning. Durham hit his sixth home run of the season during that frame, while Cooper Smith added an RBI triple. The Trailblazers recorded a season-high 18 hits, with every starter collecting at least one base hit. Durham led with four hits and three runs batted in.
Azusa Pacific narrowed the gap several times, including scoring two runs in the ninth inning to threaten Utah Tech’s lead. However, Ryan Kroepel came on as closer and secured his eighth save of the year by retiring two batters with runners on base to end the game. Kroepel’s save moved him into a tie for eighth place on Utah Tech’s single-season saves list and third place for career saves during its NCAA era.
Talan Kelly earned his sixth win of the season out of the bullpen for Utah Tech, while Brandon Kosel started and pitched five innings without factoring into the decision.
Looking ahead, Utah Tech will continue its homestand against UNLV this Tuesday night at Bruce Hurst Field.
