The Washington Huskies appeared to be in line to cruise to an easy victory over the Utah Utes on Saturday afternoon at Smith’s Ballpark. Coach Jason Kelly’s team jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning and extended it to 7-0 by the sixth.
However, the Utes wouldn’t go quietly and posted 7 runs in the eighth inning to knot the game at 8-8, highlighted by a three-run home run by shortstop Core Jackson, and an error from center fielder Cooper Whitton.
Whitton quickly made up for the error with an RBI single in the top of the ninth inning to kick off a five-run frame that lifted the Huskies to a 13-8 win.
Catcher Colin Blanchard went 2 for 3 on the day with 2 runs batted in and 3 runs scored, including an RBI single in the ninth inning, while third baseman Sam DeCarlo was a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored.
Sammy's got his 3rd knock of the night and the Dawgs are responding in kind!
📺 Pac-12 Networks
💻 https://t.co/aAUzi61gM5 pic.twitter.com/WNaUfZXli1— Washington Baseball (@UW_Baseball) April 21, 2024
Grant Cunningham earned his third win of the year in relief, after working the final 1 2/3 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 unearned runs.
The Huskies improved to 13-18-1 overall and 6-11 in Pac-12 play with the victory, while the Utes fell to 25-12 on the year and 10-7 against conference opponents. They will meet for the rubber match of the three-game series on Sunday evening at 6:00.