Calvin Jensen, Sports Information Director, Utah State Eastern

Photo courtesy of Dallin Grant

Game 1

USU Eastern took on 9th-ranked Salt Lake Community College in the first of a four-game road series Friday.  A strong strong and a valiant effort fell short as they were edged out in the 4th inning by the Bruins, 7-6.

Eastern came out swinging, setting a strong pace in the first inning by putting up four runs. Zak Nelson and Tyler Nelson were instrumental in setting the tone early. Zak, notched two hits and scored twice, and Tyler, flawlessly secured three hits and drew a walk in the game.

Nate Rose had a big game for the Eagles with his timely double, driving in two runs, and contributing to the team’s early surge.  Hunter Gatti also made significant contributions roping a double and bringing in a run.

On the mound, Wayland Crane started the game for Utah State Eastern allowing five earned runs in four innings. Tanner Kofoed came in relief and shut out the Bruins.

Following Eastern’s fiery start, Salt Lake clawed back with a four-run burst in the fourth inning, tipping the scales. Austin Taylor, pitching for Salt Lake, turned the game’s tide by delivering four scoreless innings.

Game 2

In the second game of the doubleheader, USU Eastern refused to let the previous game dictate their energy and focus as they upset the No. 9 Bruins with a solid 6-1 victory.

The game’s tone was set early as the Eagles came out swinging, putting up four runs in the first inning. The early lead was spearheaded by two crucial hits that changed the course of the game. Bodee Goins was particularly clutch, belting a grand slam that sent teammates Tyler Nelson, McGwire Jephson, and Zak Nelson across the plate. Goins’ impressive four RBIs from this one swing provided a cushion that the Eagles rode throughout the contest.

McGwire Jephson also made his presence felt by hammering a two-run homer, contributing to the scoring and energizing his team. Jephson, handling the hot corner at third base, finished the game batting .500 with two runs and two RBIs.

While the bats did the talking early, Kade Hansen put on quite the performance from the mound for Eastern, pitching a complete game and allowing only one run on seven hits and striking out four. His control was evident as he faced 34 batters without yielding any free passes from walks, keeping the Bruins at bay throughout nine innings.

Tyler Nelson and Sam Beck were also instrumental in setting up opportunities. Nelson scored twice and showcased his defensive skills with seven assists. Beck, although he got caught stealing, played a pivotal role in the infield with seven assists at second base.

The lone run for Salt Lake Community College came in the second inning but the Bruins’ attempts to rally were stifled by Hansen’s consistent pitching, which kept the Bruins’ hitters guessing and off balance.

Game 3

USU Eastern clinched a huge 5-0 upset over the 9th-ranked Bruins in the third game of their series. The win highlighted several standout performances, particularly from McGwire Jephson and pitcher Landon Salvesen.

The game remained scoreless through the first six innings as both teams struggled to capitalize on their opportunities. The pitching on both sides was tight and disciplined, with Utah State Eastern’s Salvesen delivering a masterclass on the mound. In over seven shutout innings, he allowed just four hits and struck out eight, baffling Bruin hitters.

The deadlock was finally broken in the seventh inning when Eastern’s offense exploded, thanks largely to Jephson. With the bases loaded, Jephson hammered a crucial grand slam that cleared the bases. His crucial timing didn’t just give his team the lead but essentially sealed the game for the Eagles, driving in four of the game’s five runs.

Adding to the scoreboard, Kaden Miller chipped in with an RBI single, contributing to the team’s tally and compounding the pressure on SLCC’s pitchers.

Eastern was solid defensively, backing Salvesen’s standout pitching performance with consistent fielding that kept the Bruins’ scoring opportunities to a minimum. Nate Rhineer came in relief for the final inning, maintaining the shutout with effective pitching, allowing just two hits and striking out one.

Game 4

In a nail-biting finale to their series, USU Eastern fell just short in a tightly contested game against Salt Lake, falling 3-2.

McGwire Jephson delivered again, hitting a crucial home run that brought in a big run.  Hunter Gatti also contributed with an RBI single, driving in Bodee Goins who had earlier singled and advanced on a play.

The game’s tension peaked in the final innings. After a scoreless start by both teams, the Bruins edged ahead with a run in the third and fifth innings.  Eastern responded in the sixth inning when Jephson’s homer ignited a two-run burst to tie the game momentarily.

Starting pitcher, Sam Beck, put in a strong six-inning effort, striking out nine and giving up just two runs.  Jarrett Kenyon provided a brief but effective relief in the seventh.

However, Salt Lake snatched the lead in the bottom of the seventh. Micah Del Rio, taking the mound with the game tied, faced a challenging situation that resulted in the decisive run for Salt Lake, handing him the loss.

USU Eastern (23-18, 13-11) will play their final home series of the season as they welcome a tough College of Southern Nevada program (37-8, 19-2) to the Carlson-Colosimo Field.  The four-game series will begin 12 o’clock noon on Friday, April 26.