FULLERTON, Calif. - The Cal State Fullerton Titans softball team came back twice but couldn't come back a third time as they lost 4-3 against Utah on Friday evening at Anderson Family FIeld.
The Titans (12-6) showed their heart as they rallied to tie the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning, but ultimately couldn't prevail in extra innings over the Utes (12-5).
Myka Sutherlin got the start and tossed 7 innings and allowed four runs (three earned), seven hits, six walks, and four strikeouts. She tossed 140 pitches in the game. Sydney Sandez drew the start for Utah and went 6 innings allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits, one walk, and five strikeouts.
Julia Jimenez was the difference maker for the Utes as she had two home runs for the game.
Utah took their first lead in the second inning on a Jimenez home run. The Titans would take back the lead in the bottom half of the inning.
Jessica Alcala had a double to right center before Alyssa Hernandez and Bailey Wallace got on board to load the bases. Kika Ramirez came through again as a pinch hitter with a knock to shallow right field to plate two runs.
B2 | @kika__elizabeth puts the Titans on top! Fullerton takes a 2-1 lead#TusksUp pic.twitter.com/UfmMUqYcHg
— Titans Softball (@Fullerton_SB) March 5, 2022
Utah would tie the game up in the fifth inning before going ahead once again in the seventh inning on Jimenez's second home run of the evening.
But the Titans weren't done yet as Alyssa Hernandez led the inning off with a triple to right field.
B7 | Not going out without a fight! @alyssaah_12 leads the inning off with a triple!#TusksUp pic.twitter.com/8eyI2VhyW8
— Titans Softball (@Fullerton_SB) March 5, 2022
Payton Kelly would pinch run for her and came around to score on Bailey Wallace's first hit of the season.
B7 | We're TIED!!!!!! @baileywalll finds the hole#TusksUp pic.twitter.com/PdOr0akxKh
— Titans Softball (@Fullerton_SB) March 5, 2022
The Titans would get runners to 3rd and 2nd with one out. Megan Delgadillo hit a chopper to the shortstop who threw Bailey Wallace out at home. Delgadillo tried to get in a rundown between first and second so Alexa Neil could score; however, the Utah shortstop once again threw Neal out at home for the third out to end the inning.
Utah would score one run in the top of the eighth and the Titans could not rally back for a third time to end the game.
The Titans continue the Judi Garman tournament with only one game on Saturday against Seattle University. First pitch is set for 7:30 pm.
WATCH THE TITANS ON ESPN+
Titans fans can now watch every home softball game exclusively on ESPN+. Cal State Fullerton has built a top-tier production studio to give the viewers an ESPN quality production for all games at Anderson Family Field. Additionally, all schools in the Big West Conference are committed to producing ESPN quality streams which will allow fans to watch the Titans on ESPN+ for all road conference games.
FOLLOW THE TITANS!
Fans can keep up with the latest in Titan Athletics by following us on Facebook (Facebook/FullertonTitans), Twitter (@FullertonTitans) Instagram (FullertonTitans). In addition, the softball team has established its own Twitter (fullerton_sb) and Instagram accounts (fullerton_sb).
