Hosting the University of Nevada, Las Vegas April 14, the Utah Tech University baseball team dropped an 8–6 decision with early defensive struggles and a mid-game deficit proving too much to overcome despite a late push.
UNLV set the tone in the third inning, taking advantage of free bases and timely hitting to score the game’s first runs. The Rebels continued to apply pressure in the fourth, capitalizing on additional opportunities to extend their lead to 6–0. Utah Tech struggled to contain the inning, as a combination of walks, hits, and defensive lapses allowed UNLV to build separation early.
Utah Tech responded in the bottom of the fourth, getting on the board with a run to cut into the deficit. While the Trailblazers began to show more discipline at the plate, the turning point came two innings later.
In the sixth, Utah Tech put together its most productive offensive frame of the night. The inning began with consecutive baserunners and quickly developed into a sustained rally. Multiple hits led to four runs, trimming the UNLV lead to 6–5. The inning marked a clear shift in momentum, as Utah Tech’s offense found rhythm and forced the Rebels to adjust on the mound.
Following the sixth, both teams settled into a quieter stretch. Utah Tech’s bullpen stabilized the game and kept the deficit within one, while the offense looked for an opportunity to complete the comeback.
UNLV, however, added critical insurance runs in the ninth inning. With runners on base, the Rebels executed with a key RBI single and a hit-by-pitch that brought in another run, extending the lead to 8–5.
Utah Tech mounted one final rally in the bottom of the ninth. After reaching base and putting pressure on UNLV’s pitching staff, the Trailblazers scored once to cut the deficit to two and brought the tying run into play. Despite the late opportunity, UNLV was able to record the final outs and secure the win.
While it took a while for UT’s offense to get going in the game, right fielder Hudson Manwaring would put together a solid effort at the plate, recording two hits and an RBI.
After some early-season struggles offensively, the junior finance major from Salt Lake City has upped his batting average to .267 while providing outstanding defense in the outfield.
“I definitely have had some ups and downs,” the Salt Lake Community College transfer said postgame.
“There’s been some frustration, but it’s been good. I feel like I’m working my way back and getting back to how I was playing last season,” he added.
Aside from the offensive inconsistency, Utah Tech was forced to use eight pitchers in the loss, with Ethan Gardner’s two-inning relief experience being the highlight.
Gardner, a senior business management major from Meridian, Idaho, tossed a pair of scoreless frames while allowing two hits and striking out four.
“It felt good, I just trusted my stuff and knew that I was better and that they really couldn’t hit it,” Gardner said.
Despite the defeat, UT faces a quick turnaround chance for a win, as they host Washington State University April 15.
“It’s exciting to get to turn around and play,” head coach Chris Pfatenhauer said after the game.
“That’s the last thing we said in our meeting was, ‘hey, in 20 hours we’re back at it, so we’ve got to flush this and get ready to rock and roll,” he added.
This article was originally written for Utah Tech’s student newspaper, Sun News Daily.
Photo credit: Brooklyn Fehr, Utah Tech Athletics.
