Baseball team splits ISU series
Four games in two days took its toll on the USU club baseball team.
After playing a doubleheader against the University of Utah on Friday, USU split a doubleheader with conference foe Idaho State on Saturday.
“We’re still learning,” said club president Garrett Schiffman. “A lot of times learning is painful.
Game 1 – Utah State 9, Idaho State 22
USU struggled to keep ISU batters at bay with a score of 17-2 at the top of the third inning.
“The first game was tough,” said center fielder Matt Stranski. “I’ve never seen so many errors before. We need to shape up things defensively.”
Both Schiffman and Stranski agree the team’s weakness are defensive plays.
“Offensively I’m happy,” Schiffman said. “But we need to work on our defense.”
Game 2 – Utah State 8, Idaho State 4
The second game was a complete turnaround for the Aggies. The Bengals started the game with three runs in the first inning, but struggled to put any more on the board.
“ISU is a good team,” Schiffman said. “They hit good and come ready to play.”
The Bengals started the first inning with three runs from outfielder Trent Seamons, shortstop Kris Gokey and starting pitcher Conner Moore to make it 3-0 in the top of the first.
In the fourth inning, while USU’s Jordan Hansen was at bat, both pitcher Mckay Hedin and Stranski stole home on the same play – Hedin in the conventional way from third base and Stranski from second. USU infielder Andrew Shawkey gave the Aggies a 5-3 lead partway through the inning.
After one inning of scoreless baseball, outfielder Jordan Hansen hit a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth to make it 7-4 Aggies.
“He had really quality at-bats,” Schiffman said. “I was impressed.”
USU had a whole new lineup for game two. Schiffman said the fall baseball season is to e
valuate the team and how the new players perform.
“The second game was good,” Stranski said. “When we have those guys pitching, we’re confident.”
Although USU put four more runs on the board than ISU, Schiffman said Utah State’s defensive play won the game.
“Defense can make or break a team,” Schiffman said.
USU will face off against ISU again for another doubleheader on Oct. 13 in Pocatello.
“ISU is a good team,” Schiffman said. “It will be us and them battling in the conference.”
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