BELLEVUE, WA - Seattle U baseball took down Utah Tech, 5-3, in Friday night's series opener. A pair of home runs and clutch defensive plays led the Redhawks to the game one win over the Trailblazers.
The first home run for SU on the day came in the 1st inning, when Grant Heiser (3) launched a 2-run blast over the left field wall to put the Redhawks out front early. It was the 13th of Heiser's career, landing him sole possession of 6th all-time in program history.
After Utah Tech scored two runs over the 3rd and 4th to tie the game, Seattle U would get their second home run of the game off the bat of Jake Wagoner. The freshman backstop powered his first collegiate long ball to left, giving the lead back to the home side.
Jackson Reed added some insurance to the Redhawk tally, as his 2-RBI single in the 5th gave them a 3-run cushion. Utah Tech would again claw back into the game with a run in the 6th to set up a dramatic final two frames.
With Cameron Dayton on the mound, the Trailblazers would load the bases with just one out in the top of the 9th. Dayton would proceed to get a fly-out and a ground-out that Ryne Hays snagged on the first base side to end the game, earning the lefty his third save of the season and the Redhawk win.
Blake Smith (3-1) was the arm credited with the win, as he went six innings and only allowed one earned run while striking out three.
Seattle U now improves to 7-14 overall and to 3-4 in conference play. They will look to make it back-to-back conference series wins when they face these same Trailblazers tomorrow, March 23, in game two. First pitch from Bannerwood Park is scheduled for 2pm PT.
Stay connected with Seattle U baseball and get all the latest team updates by downloading the GoSeattleU mobile app available now for free in the App Store or Google Play.
The first home run for SU on the day came in the 1st inning, when Grant Heiser (3) launched a 2-run blast over the left field wall to put the Redhawks out front early. It was the 13th of Heiser's career, landing him sole possession of 6th all-time in program history.
After Utah Tech scored two runs over the 3rd and 4th to tie the game, Seattle U would get their second home run of the game off the bat of Jake Wagoner. The freshman backstop powered his first collegiate long ball to left, giving the lead back to the home side.
The man of the hour… hear from Jake Wagoner after he hit his first collegiate HR and the Redhawks secured the series opening win! #TogetherWeSoar pic.twitter.com/tVQHXm8YXo
— Seattle U Baseball (@SeattleUBase) March 23, 2024
Jackson Reed added some insurance to the Redhawk tally, as his 2-RBI single in the 5th gave them a 3-run cushion. Utah Tech would again claw back into the game with a run in the 6th to set up a dramatic final two frames.
With Cameron Dayton on the mound, the Trailblazers would load the bases with just one out in the top of the 9th. Dayton would proceed to get a fly-out and a ground-out that Ryne Hays snagged on the first base side to end the game, earning the lefty his third save of the season and the Redhawk win.
Blake Smith (3-1) was the arm credited with the win, as he went six innings and only allowed one earned run while striking out three.
Seattle U now improves to 7-14 overall and to 3-4 in conference play. They will look to make it back-to-back conference series wins when they face these same Trailblazers tomorrow, March 23, in game two. First pitch from Bannerwood Park is scheduled for 2pm PT.
Stay connected with Seattle U baseball and get all the latest team updates by downloading the GoSeattleU mobile app available now for free in the App Store or Google Play.