Dixie State splits double header Friday afternoon. First the Trailblazers took down Utah State 5-3 and then later fell to Weber State 5-1.
What Head Coach Randy Simkins said: "Great to get contributions from the bottom of our line with Quigley and Thomson. It really helps us put pressure on the other teams pitchers."
GAME 1:
How it happened: In the bottom of the first inning, Dixie State was able to get runners on second and third. Shea Clements sent a ball deep into center field which was dropped scoring one run. With runners in scoring position, a Utah State wild pitch sent another runner across the plate to give the Blazers a 2-0 lead in the first.
Utah State was able to get one run across in the top of the second but went scoreless the next two innings. In the bottom of the fourth, Dixie State had two outs and Mikaela Thomson launched one deep over the right center fence to push the Blazers lead to 3-1.
The top of the fifth inning had some well executed defensive plays for Dixie State. Kasey Crawford and Hannah Hughbanks each had laser throws from the outfield to home that led to two big outs. One run was allowed in the top of the fifth and DSU had a narrow 3-2 lead.
In the bottom of the fifth, Malory Eldredge started things off with a double to right center. Hannah Hughbanks laid down a bunt to move Eldredge to scoring position. Shea Clements then singled through the left side for an RBI giving the Trailblazers a 4-2 lead.
Utah State was able to get one run across in the top of the sixth and Dixie State answered. Thomson stepped into the box first pitch she swung and sent that all over the center field fence for her second home run of the game.
In the top of the seventh, the Aggies made a surge to keep the game alive by putting one run on the board but it wasn't enough and Dixie State pulled away with the W.
At the plate: Dixie State was led by Thomson who went 2-3 at the plate with two runs, two RBIs and all of that was from her two bombs. Eldredge also went 2-3 at the plate with two runs and one double.
The Trailblazers ended the game with five runs from seven hits in the 25 at bats. Dixie had four RBIs, two home runs, one double, drew two walks and had eight strikeouts.
Utah State ended the game with three runs, six hits and three RBIs. USU had one double and drew two walks and had five strikeouts.
In the field: Dixie State had 21 putouts and 15 assists. Thomson had the game high with nine putouts while Clements had six. Kirsten Quigley had four assists while Clements added three.
In the circle: Carissa Burgess started in the circle and pitched a gem of a game. She pitched seven complete innings. She gave up six hits, three runs and two walks and had five strikeouts in the 30 batters faced.
GAME TWO -
How it happened: The first two innings went scoreless and hitless for both teams. In the bottom of the third, Weber State was able to get four runs across the plate thanks to four hits and two DSU errors. A Wildcat solo home run in the bottom of the fourth gave Weber State a 5-0 lead.
Dixie State was not going to let Weber State get away with a shutout. In the top of the seventh inning, Crawford doubled into left center. Brylee Rudd singled into right field to score Crawford for the RBI ane the single DSU run of the game.
At the plate: Dixie State ended the game with one run from six hits. The Trailblazers had one RBI, two doubles and drew one walk on the night.
In the field: The Trailblazers ended the game with 18 putouts and nine assists. Thomson closed out seven outs while Quigley and Ashtyn Baurele contributed three assists.
In the circle: Bauerle started in the circle for Dixie State and pitched six complete innings. She faced 29 batters and gave up seven hits, five runs and three walks. She also came away with three strikeouts.
Notes to know: Dixie State has a 2-10 overall record now on the season. Thomson has now hit three home runs on the season.
Up Next: Dixie State will continue action tomorrow taking on the University of Northern Colorado.
