Despite out-hitting Utah, Cougars drop pitching duel 1-0

TEMPE, Ariz. – Despite out-hitting Utah six to three, BYU lost a pitching duel to Utah 1-0 Friday night at the Kajikawa Classic.

“Today’s game was a pitchers' duel,” BYU head coach Gordon Eakin said. “We out-hit them but couldn’t come up with the timely hit with runners in scoring position.”

Player Highlights:

• Autumn Moffat-Korth: L (0-2), 6.0 IP, 3H, 1R, 0ER, 6K
• Rylee Jensen-McFarland: 1-3, 1SB

BYU pitcher Autumn Moffat surrendered no earned runs in the game while also striking out six batters. She went three up, three down in the first inning including striking out the first batter she faced. She went on to strike out five more batters through the next five innings.

In the second inning, the Cougars had two in scoring position but were unable to capitalize and the runners were left stranded as the score stayed at 0-0.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, two walks put Utah players on the bag and into scoring position. A BYU error drove one of the runners home and gave the Utes the advantage. The two teams remained scoreless and Utah sealed the victory in the top of the seventh with a 1-0 score.

The Cougars will play their final game of the Kajikawa Classic Saturday, Feb. 13, at 12 p.m. MST against Seattle University.