UVSC sets record in win over SUU

OREM — The Utah Valley State baseball team won its second consecutive game Friday night despite subzero temperatures, dominating Southern Utah, 25-6.

"It was an unbelievable game for this kind of weather," said Utah Valley State head coach Steve Gardner, a night after picking up his 400th career victory. "You put the pressure on and that can happen."

Southern Utah led 3-2 going into the fifth inning, but the Wolverines exploded for seven runs bottom half of the inning, including five with two outs. UVSC then added five more in the seventh and 11 in the eighth while setting a school-record for runs scored in a game.

"We made a few breaks and they went our way," Gardner said.

Wolverine catcher Cory Newton entered the game with the team's lowest batting average of .098 (5-for-51), but he doubled his hit output and percentage Friday by going 5-for-5 with four RBIs.

"I'm proud of how (Newton) played," Gardner said.

Kory Drew and Trent Perry had four hits each, including a home run each, and six RBIs apiece. They are tied for the team lead with six homers.

Drew's grand slam to deep center field in the Wolverines' 11-run eighth inning was the icing on the cake for the blowout.

Wolverine pitcher Jed Jensen, who lasted just two-thirds of an inning in his previous outing Tuesday at BYU, threw his best game of the season in twirling the complete game to record his third win of the year. He allowed six runs (four earned) while striking out eight and walking four.

"Jed's had a couple of tough outings," Gardner said. "But he's a competitor. He has good talent."

Of the 25 runs Utah Valley State (8-17) scored, only five were earned as the T-Birds (10-11) committed seven errors. Also, 13 of Utah Valley State's runs were scored with two outs.

Southern Utah's starting pitcher Kasey Hubbard pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing 10 hits and nine runs (all unearned).

Utah Valley State and Southern Utah wrap up their four-game series today with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.