Box Score LOGAN, Utah – Whether its been in Moraga, Pocatello, or now Logan, the Gaels (16-15) bats continue to be scorching hot, as today, they mustered up their second 15 run performance of the weekend to down the Utah State Aggies (16-13) 15-10. After falling behind 3-2 in the early going, the Gaels hung up a five spot in the second, and while Utah State would mount comeback attempt after comeback attempt, they were never quite able to crest the mountain that was the Saint Mary's lead. The Gaels are now 16-15 for the season, moving above 0.500 for the first time all year.
The game got off on the right foot for the Gaels when Sam Buckley doubled, stole third, and was then doubled home by Alex Cutonilli. Jenavee Amador singled Braxton Brown home and the Gaels were off to the races ahead 2-0. Utah State would respond in the bottom half with a rude welcome to freshman starter Ella Thurman, having each of the first four base runners reach, and scoring three on a three run blast for their first lead. Thurman would battle back, inducing a double play, followed by a diving snag by Tori Cervantes in center to retire the side with the deficit at one.
The first three batters of the second, Claudia Kirchner, Mia Zabat and Tori Cervantes all reached before Sam Backley mashed her sixth home run of the weekend, and her second grand slam, regaining the lead for the Gaels, this time, a lead that would not be relinquished. Camille Lara would double immediately following Buckley's grand slam, and would come around to score to make it 7-3 in the second. Four more runs came across in the fourth as with the bases loaded Braxton Brown doubled to plate three and Alex Cutonilli doubled her home, making it 11-3.
The Aggies would come storming back with a six run bottom of the third. With the scoreline at 11-9, Mia Nishikawa would come out of the pen and allow a single before retiring the side, keeping the Gaels in front heading into the fourth. With two outs in the top of the fourth, the Gaels would string together three two out hits from Braxton Brown, Alex Cutonilli and Jenavee Amador, scoring one more, while Utah State would respond with a run of their own in the bottom half. Odhi Vasquez came out of the pen to retire the side in the fifth. Through five innings, the Gaels lead remained two at 12-10.
In the top of the sixth, Tori Cervantes lifted a two run blast just inside the left field foul pole, and Braxton Brown notched another RBI to her day, scoring Sam Buckley, extending the lead out to 15-10. Odhi Vasquez was lights out over the final two innings securing the victory for the Gaels and picking up her first save of the year.
Sam Buckley, Braxton Brown and Alex Cutonilli all logged three hit ballgames, and were responsible for 11 of the Gaels 15 runs via RBI and nine runs crossing the plate themselves. Jenavee Amador and Tori Cervantes each chipped in two more hits and two more RBI, with the latter scoring three times. Mia Nishikawa earned the win, surrendering one run in 2.1 innings worked, while Odhi Vasquez earned the save, tossing the final 2.2 innings scoreless.
The Gaels will take a much deserved nine days off before returning home on April 1 to take on UC Davis.
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