Cory McKendrick, USU Eastern Sports Information Contributor
Price, UT – The Utah State University Eastern baseball team had their Scenic West Athletic conference opening game Thursday March 5 against the Colorado Northwestern Community College Spartans. USU Eastern won in 8 innings of the 9-inning contest, forcing a run rule and a final score of 11-3.
The Eagles, who were riding a 5-game win streak coming into this game, improved their streak to 6, their overall record to 10-7 and their conference record to 1-0. The offense has continued to roll for the Eagles, scoring 7 or more runs in each of the last 6 wins.
The Spartans struck first with one run in the 2nd inning. Then, sparked by a huge 6-run 3rd inning, USU Eastwern gained the lead,never looked back, and continued to add on to the lead throughout the game.
The inning was led by a three-run homerun by Dylan Rodriguez. He was in a great spot to drive in runs for the Eagles and came through to break the 1-1 tie and give the team the lead. Rodriguez said, “I was just trying to hit the ball on a line somewhere and fortunately I got a pitch I could elevate.”
Rodriguez was 2-5 with a homerun and 4 RBI’s in the game. Dylan Sanchez was 2-3 with a double, a run scored, an RBI and two walks. Dawsen Hall was 2-3 with 3 runs scored, 2 walks and 4 stolen bases. Ryder Peterson added 3 hits and 2 RBI. Connor Udy chipped in a double and 2 RBI as well.
The Eagle offense got off to a good start in conference. “I think today’s game showed how dangerous our lineup can be. It was a great team win” commented Rodriguez postgame.
Karter Pope went the distance on the hill for the Eagles. He threw a complete game, pitching 8 innings, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and striking out 4 Spartans in the victory. He improves to 3-1 on the year, winning his 3rd consecutive start.
The Eagles will finish their four-game-series against CNCC with a double-header tomorrow, March 6th and the series finale on Saturday March 7th. Game time is scheduled for a 12 p.m. start at Carlson-Colosimo field.