Even though second baseman Aiva Arquette sent the first pitch of the ballgame over the fence in right-center field for a leadoff home run, it wasn’t enough to earn the Washington Huskies a victory. Coach Jason Kelly’s team saw its lead evaporate by the end of the second inning as the Utah Utes cruised to an 8-6 victory.
Shortstop Core Jackson had a stellar day for the Utes, going 3 for 5 with 3 doubles, 3 runs batted in, and a run scored. On the other side, Arquette did everything in his power to keep the Huskies in the game, going 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored, while first baseman Jeter Ybarra added an RBI single.
Starter Jared Engman took the loss for the Huskies, moving to 0-7 on the season after allowing 9 hits and 7 runs (6 earned) over 4 2/3 innings pitched. Bryson Van Sickle earned his third win of the year after working 6 1/3 innings, letting up 4 hits and 5 runs (3 earned).
The loss pushed the Huskies to 12-18-1 on the season and 5-11 in Pac-12 play, while the Utes improved to 25-11 overall and 10-6 against conference opponents. The two teams will meet for the second matchup in their three-game series on Saturday evening at 6:00.