USU Eastern Athletics

Utah State Eastern traveled to Salt Lake Community College for a four-game series, battling in close contests but ultimately falling short in each matchup. The Eagles showcased strong offensive performances and key defensive plays but were unable to secure a victory as SLCC capitalized on timely hits and late-inning execution.

In the series opener, Utah State Eastern struck first with two runs in the second inning before SLCC answered with a four-run bottom half to take control. Zak Nelson led the offense with a 2-for-4 performance, scoring twice. Jake Lindsay drove in two runs with a double, while Hunter Gatti added an RBI single in the sixth to tie the game at 5-5. SLCC regained the lead in the bottom of the inning with a go-ahead double and held on for a 6-5 win.

Nelson finished the game with two hits and two runs scored. Lindsay recorded a double and two RBI, while Gatti added an RBI single. Tahj Henrie pitched 4.2 innings, allowing four runs on six hits with three strikeouts. Myles Topham took the loss, allowing one run in 1.1 innings of relief.

Game two featured another tight contest as both teams exchanged the lead multiple times. USU Eastern fell behind early but surged ahead in the fourth inning, scoring three runs behind a McGwire Jephson RBI single and aggressive baserunning from Peyton Adams. SLCC responded in the fifth with a three-run inning to retake the lead. Sawyer Hardman doubled in a run late, but the Eagles stranded the tying run on base in the seventh, falling 7-6.

Jephson went 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Hardman added a double and an RBI. Adams scored twice and stole a base. On the mound, Henrie provided a solid start, allowing three runs over five innings with four strikeouts. SLCC once again executed late-inning hitting to secure the win.

The third game turned into a pitcher’s duel, with both teams struggling to string together consistent offense. The Eagles managed just two runs, one on a Roper Kay RBI single in the fourth and another on a bases-loaded walk in the sixth. SLCC, however, capitalized on a key extra-base hit in the fifth to plate two runs and added another in the sixth to take a 3-2 win.

Henrie delivered a strong outing for USU Eastern, pitching six innings while allowing just three earned runs with four strikeouts. The Eagles had runners in scoring position multiple times but were unable to break through against SLCC’s bullpen.

The series finale was another closely contested battle. Utah State Eastern opened the scoring in the fourth inning when Jephson grounded out to shortstop, allowing Nelson to score. SLCC answered in the bottom half with a sacrifice fly to tie the game. The Bruins then took control in the fifth, scoring three runs on a two-run triple by Hudson Manwaring and an RBI single from Carson Moody.

Trailing 4-1 in the sixth, Utah State Eastern mounted a rally. Adams doubled down the left field line, driving in two runs before Jephson followed with an RBI single to tie the game at 4-4. SLCC responded in the bottom of the inning with a solo home run from Jalen Seward, which proved to be the difference in the 5-4 loss.

Nelson finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Adams went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI, while Jephson added two RBI. Hardman also contributed a hit and a run scored. Henrie pitched 4.2 innings, allowing four runs on six hits with three strikeouts. Topham took the loss, giving up one run on one hit in 1.1 innings of relief.

USU Eastern (14-12, 0-4) will debut their new home field in a doubleheader against the College of Southern Idaho (24-12, 2-2) on Gardner Field in Helper on Friday, March 28, beginning at 12:00 p.m.