Utah Tech won the first game of its final Western Athletic Conference road series against Utah Valley, securing a 7-4 victory on Friday afternoon at UCCU Ballpark, according to an April 17 announcement.
The win is significant as it marks the opening of the annual “Old Hammer Rivalry” series and helps Utah Tech improve its conference record to 3-1. The Trailblazers now stand at 24-14 overall for the season.
After giving up two runs in the first inning, Utah Tech responded with six unanswered runs over three innings. Ty Johnsen hit a solo home run in the second inning, followed by Petey Soto Jr.’s RBI single that tied the game. In the third inning, Finnegan Stewart hit his fifth home run of the season, bringing in three runs and giving Utah Tech a lead they would not relinquish. Miller Durham contributed with an RBI groundout and an opposite field double later in the game.
Pitcher Tyler Ray earned his fourth win of the season after striking out seven batters over five and two-thirds innings. Brock Roundy provided relief from the bullpen with two and one-third scoreless innings, while Ryan Kroepel closed out the ninth for his ninth save this year. Offensively, Durham went three-for-five with two RBIs and scored once; Johnsen and Stewart each had two hits as well.
Utah Valley narrowed their deficit to 6-4 with a pair of solo home runs in their half of the fourth inning but could not overcome Utah Tech’s lead. The Trailblazers outhit their opponent eleven to six during this matchup.
The teams are scheduled to play again on Saturday night at UCCU Ballpark as part of their three-game weekend series.
