PROVO, Utah — Saint Mary's Baseball got one more crack at BYU in hopes of securing their first win in Provo, Utah since the 2015 season. Down, but not out, the Gaels were able to mount a rally in the ninth inning that nearly brought them back even, or even ahead of the Cougars. The ball didn't bounce the Gaels way after Saint Mary's scored one in the ninth, as a questionable call at first base helped BYU get the first of three straight outs to end the threat and escape with a 4-3 win, and series sweep of Saint Mary's. The Gaels will head back to California with a 20-20 record, and 9-12 in WCC play.
 
NINTH INNING DRAMA
Down two runs entering the ninth inning, Saint Mary's did what they've been doing all season long: battling. Nick Mistone opened the inning with a single to right, and JC Santini was hit by a pitch, already setting the scene for some drama. Eric Smelko entered as a pinch hitter, and after showing bunt, he smashed a single up the middle to score Mistone and make it a 4-3 deficit. That's when the game turned. Coleman Schmidt dropped down a successful sacrifice bunt, but was called out at first base despite the ball being mishandled by the BYU first baseman. Instead of the bases being loaded and nobody out, the Gaels were forced to play with one out. A strikeout and a groundout ended the contest.
 
GETTING ON THE BOARD
Saint Mary's had a chance to draw even in the top of the seventh, when they trailed 3-0. Kyle Velazquez opened the inning with a single and moved to second base on the second balk called of the afternoon. A one-out error moved Velazquez to third, and that's when JC Santini pinch hit and singled on the infield, with Mistone moving to third base on a throwing error. Ryan Novis was then hit by a pitch, and Justin Banks walked with the bases loaded and two outs to bring home the second run of the inning. Unfortunately, a called-third strike ended the inning and the Gaels left the bases loaded.
 
SETTLING IN
For just the second time this season, Ky Bush allowed runs in the first inning of a start. He was tagged for two runs in the opening frame, including one run just two batters into the ballgame. After that, Bush regained the feel for his pitches and command that has made him a legitimate draft prospect. Bush allowed four hits in the first inning, but only four hits and one run the rest of the way, going six complete innings in a quality start. He did not walk a hitter for the third-consecutive start, and struck out six. For Bush, it marks just the second time this season he has allowed three or more runs in a start.
 
UP NEXT
The Gaels will return home to the Bay Area and remain in-state for the remainder of the 2021 season. Saint Mary's and San Francisco will link up for a three-game series beginning on Friday, May 7, and at the conclusion of the series, the Gaels and Dons will play once more, this time in Moraga, on Monday, May 10.