Utah Tech lost to Tarleton State 8-4 in the second game of their three-game Western Athletic Conference home series on May 2 at Bruce Hurst Field.
The result marks another setback for Utah Tech, whose offense struggled early and could not overcome a mid-game surge by the visiting Texans. The Trailblazers managed only three hits through the first five innings, with each runner erased by double plays from Tarleton State’s defense.
Senior pitcher Dakoda West started for Utah Tech and held off Tarleton State’s hitters for four innings, striking out four. However, he allowed two runs each in the fifth and sixth innings as Tarleton State built a 4-0 lead. Utah Tech responded by loading the bases in the sixth inning and scoring twice to cut the deficit to two runs. But Tarleton State answered with two runs apiece in both the seventh and eighth innings, extending their advantage to 8-2.
Finnegan Stewart hit his seventh home run of the season in the eighth inning, driving in two runs for Utah Tech. Despite this effort, Utah Tech was unable to close the gap further as Tarleton State secured its road series win.
Eight of nine Trailblazers starters collected at least one hit as Utah Tech finished with nine hits overall. Kyle McDaniel went 2-for-4 with a run scored from his lead-off position while Stewart drove in three of Utah Tech’s four total runs.
Utah Tech will attempt to avoid a sweep when they face Tarleton State again on Sunday at 11 a.m.
