Utah Tech lost its first shutout game of the season against Southern Illinois, falling 10-0 in seven innings on Friday night at Itchy Jones Stadium. The game marked Utah Tech’s first road series east of the Mississippi River.
The defeat puts the Trailblazers at a record of 16-10 for the season. Southern Illinois, now with a record of 10-14, took an early lead and maintained control throughout the matchup.
Southern Illinois scored two runs with two outs in the third inning and added another run in the fifth after taking advantage of a Utah Tech error. A wild pitch in the sixth allowed another Salukis runner to score from second base, increasing their lead to four runs.
Utah Tech struggled offensively, managing only five singles through six innings. In the seventh inning, Ty Johnsen singled and reached third on a double by Finnegan Stewart, giving Utah Tech runners on second and third with two outs. However, SIU starter Andrew Evans ended that threat with an inning-ending groundout.
Southern Illinois secured their victory with six more runs in their half of the seventh inning. Johnsen and Stewart led Utah Tech’s offense with two hits each out of just seven total for their team.
The teams are scheduled to play again Saturday afternoon for game two of their three-game weekend series.
