Dixie State split the double header with Grand Canyon today. First coming up with a big time 11-0 win and then narrowly falling 4-3 in the second game.
GAME 1
How it happened: To start the game off, Hannah Hughbanks singled to center field. Then, Mikaela Thomson doubled to right center for an RBI and just like the Blazers were on the board first.
In the top of the third with two runners on and one out, Oaklee Trapp sent a ball soaring over the right field fence for a three run shot. As three complete innings came to an end Dixie State had a 4-0 lead. The offensive moment stayed in favor of DSU heading into the fourth inning, Kasey Crawford started the inning off with a single. Later, Hughbanks homered for a two run bomb pushing Dixie's lead to 6-0.
In the top of the sixth, the Trailblazers had a big offensive inning. Kirsten Quigley started things off with a single.Hughbanks then doubled to left center to put runners in scoring position. Shea Clements then doubled for two RBIs. With a runner in scoring position, Thomson singled for an RBI. Later, Malory Eldredge had a big at bat with a triple for an RBI. Maile Maletta then singled for the fifth RBI of the inning before getting caught in a pickle for the final out.
Dixie State's defense closed out the bottom of the sixth inning to end the game early with a final score of 11-0 for the Trailblazers.
At the plate: Dixie State was led by Hughbanks who went 3-3 at the plate with three runs, one double and one homerun. Thomson also put up impressive numbers at the plate going 3-4 with two RBIs and one double.
In total, DSU had 11 runs from 14 hits. The Trailblazers had four doubles, one triple and two home runs against the Lopes.
In the circle: Carissa Burgess started in the circle for DSU had pitched the complete six inning game. She gave up three hits and two walks but came away with five strikeouts.
GAME TWO -
How it happened: In the top of the second inning, Dixie State loaded up the bases. Hughbanks then doubled to left field to clear the bases for three RBIs. The Trailblazers had a 3-0 lead after three complete innings, however the Lopes came back with a counter.
Grand Canyon put up four runs in the bottom of the fourth thanks to five hits including a home run and a double to take a 4-3 lead. The remainder of the game went scoreless for both teams and GCU pulled out with the win.
At the plate: Hughbanks led by going 2-3 at the plate with three RBIs. DSU ended the game with three runs from four hits.
In the circle: Ashtyn Bauerle started in the circle and pitched 3.1 innings. She gave up seven hits and two runs but had three strikeouts.
Kate Dolinski closed out the game and pitched 2.2 innings. She gave up three hits and two runs in the 12 batters faced.
Notes to know: Dixie State is now 16-18 overall on the season and are now 4-4 in WAC action.
Up Next: DSU will take on Grand Canyon again tomorrow. The Trailblazers will stay on the road and are set to take on Utah Valley April 16-17 in a three game series. Dixie's final home games will be April 23-24 against New Mexico.
