Late Rallies Fall Short in DH vs. Weber State

 
POCATELLO, Idaho- Despite late game rallies by the Idaho State softball team, the Bengals still dropped a doubleheader at Weber State, losing 7-3 and 6-5 on Saturday afternoon in Ogden, Utah. With the losses, ISU dropped to 19-19 and 6-4 in Big Sky play while Weber State improved to 27-14 and 9-2 in league.

In game 1, ISU gave up two runs in the first inning and the score remained 2-0 until ISU scored three runs in the top of the sixth. But in the bottom half of the inning the Wildcats scored five runs to put the game away. In game 2, Idaho State trailed 6-4 going into the seventh inning but could only manage one run in the top of the seventh inning.

The Bengals had 17 hits on the day. Ashlyn Ames had three and Maddy Hickman had three, two being home runs to lead the ISU offense.

Ames took the loss in the circle in game 2 as she pitched six innings, allowing eight hits, six runs, two walks and one strike out. Sophie Slagle took the loss game 1, pitching five innings, allowing seven hits, six runs (four earned), one walk and three strikeouts.

"We battled back in both games but didn't finish it when we had the opportunities," Idaho State coach Candi Letts said. "Both games were tough losses. We hit the ball hard all weekend and we will keep putting pressure on our opponents."

In the first game of the day, Weber State scored two runs in the first inning on two hits and one ISU error. The Bengals rallied to take a 3-2 lead in the top of the sixth inning.

Kacie Burnett led off with a triple to left-center and Hickman hit her first of two homers on the day. The final run of the inning came when Katelyn Marquez hit a sacrifice RBI to left field that scored Ames.

The Bengal lead didn't last long as the Wildcats scored five runs on five hits and took advantage of one ISU miscue in the field to take the lead for good.

In the second game of the day ISU had 12 hits while the Wildcats had eight. WSU once again scored two runs in the first inning but Idaho State tied the game at two in the top of the third inning. With two outs, Burnett walked and Hickman hit her second homer of the day.

Weber State then scored two runs in the bottom half of the third to take a 4-2 lead. ISU added a run in the fifth on an RBI single by Reis Birkett but Weber State added a run in the bottom of the sixth to take a 6-4 lead.

With two outs in the top of the seventh Alex Portesi doubled to left-center and Ashley Morris singled home Portesi. But the Wildcat defense ended the rally a batter later.

Idaho State returns to Miller Ranch Stadium, April 22-23, for a three-game series vs. first-place Sacramento State. The double header on April 22 begins at 2 p.m. and Saturday's contest starts at 1 p.m. All games are free to the public.