Aggies win 15-straight games
The Utah State baseball team extended its winning streak to 15 and swept Boise State in three road games Saturday and Sunday.
“We knew that if we could get past these guys, we’d have a clear shot to win conference,” said first baseman Riley Stauffer.
Boise State was in second place in the conference behind the Aggies going into the series.
The three wins pushed Utah State’s overall record to 15-4 and 9-0 in conference.
Utah State received big performances from two players who usually play in reserve roles, said head coach Brad Singer.
The Aggies were down 2-1 in the top of the fourth inning when designated hitter Angel Brito hit a two-run home run.
“I felt like, well, I’m doing something for the team. I’m doing well. I’m helping my buddy Sixto,” Brito said.
Sixto Cabrera pitched that game for the Aggies. Brito told Cabrera before the game he would do whatever he could to help his friend get the win.
“I told him, ‘I’m in the lineup, so let’s win this game,’” Brito said. “I would do whatever is in my hands to help him.”
The Aggies added more runs in the sixth and seventh innings and held on to win 5-3. Brito ended the game 2 of 3 with two runs, a double and the home run. He also had one walk.
Utah State won the first game 11-0 after reserve outfielder Brandon Campbell came off the bench to hit a home run that extended the Aggie lead. He finished the game with two hits in two attempts, with a double and the home run.
“I tell the guys, ‘You got to be ready, and you might be a guy that comes off the bench and gives us a spark,’” Singer said. “Those are momentum shifters, where they come in and are able to change the game, essentially.”
Going into the series, the Aggies were excited to play a Boise team had abilities similar to their own, Stauffer said.
“We knew we’d be playing a higher-level of competition,” Stauffer said. “Everybody wants to step up for that big moment and that’s what we did.”
The series stalled when a rain delay ended the second game. The two teams finished the game on Sunday.
“It was kind of weird,” Stauffer said, “especially for the pitcher Colton Draney, because he gets all loose and ready to go and then has to do it again the next day.”
Cody McGlocklin pitched a complete game in the first game, allowing zero runs in five innings with only one hit and five strikeouts. McGlocklin added 6-of-8 hitting in the series with one run and three RBIs. Colton Draney also pitched a complete game with one run allowed on four hits. He added five strikeouts.
The Aggies will next play Idaho State on Friday at 6 p.m. at Richard V. Hansen ballpark in Smithfield. The series concludes with a Saturday doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m.
— thomas.sorenson@aggiemail.usu.edu
Twitter: @tomcat340