Utah Tech lost the first game of its three-game weekend road baseball series against Santa Clara, 8-1, on March 13 at Stephen C. Schott Stadium.
The result is significant as it marks a setback for the Trailblazers, who entered the game with a strong record but were unable to overcome Santa Clara’s pitching.
Santa Clara pitcher Max Bayles held Utah Tech hitless and struck out seven batters through the first four innings. The Broncos built an early lead by scoring single runs in the second and fourth innings and adding two more in the third. Utah Tech had a chance to score in the fifth inning after loading the bases with two outs, but Bayles ended the threat with a groundout.
Kace Naone provided Utah Tech’s only run with his third home run of the season leading off the sixth inning. However, that would be all for Utah Tech’s offense as Bayles and two relievers limited them to just two hits and four walks for the night. Kyle McDaniel saw his school record 58-game on-base streak end after going hitless in four at-bats.
The teams are scheduled to play again on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. Mountain Time.
