SUU campus briefs

BASEBALL: Southern Utah suffered one-two-three frames through the first five innings, but finally broke through with a two-run seventh to post a 2-1 victory over the Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks on Friday afternoon at Macomb, Ill.

WIU struck first with a leadoff double in the third inning, leading to the first and only run of the game for the home team.

The Thunderbirds finally broke through with four hits in the top of the sixth inning, but with the bases loaded, the frame ended with Matt Sanford striking out. However, SUU wouldn't have to wait long to put lights on the board as Bucky Aona led off the seventh inning with a double and was followed by Joe Goldenberg being hit by a pitch.

The duo advanced to second and third on a fly ball off the bat of Taylor Shaw and then crossed the plate on a two-run double by Brock Westphal. The Southern Utah defense then answered, holding the Fighting Leathernecks to just one hit over the final four innings.

SUU starter Justin Neubauer was awarded the victory, throwing 61/3 strong innings, allowing the one earned run on eight hits and two walks with four strikeouts. Braden Yardley earned the save, throwing 22/3 solid innings of scoreless baseball, allowing one hit while recording three strikeouts.

The two teams will take to the field again this afternoon for a doubleheader.