Utterback connects on a walk off grand slam to defeat SDSU 6-4

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

NORMAL – It was a game any athlete will be able to tell their grandchildren about.

Down 4-2 in the bottom of the ninth, bases loaded with a 3-2 count, Junior transfer Andrew Utterback hit a line drive over the left field wall that scored all four runs and gave A&M their third win on the year.

The homerun was Utterback's first and only hit of the game as he finished 1 for 5 with four RBI's. Allen Smith posted 13 putouts playing the first base position while Julio Nunez, Patrick Dodson and Justen Folger each finished with a pair of connections.

South Dakota State jumped on the board first in the second inning on a passed ball. They then extended their lead in the third inning 2-0. A&M would plate their first run when Nunez singled to center field scoring Folger.

Folger returned the favor in the sixth inning when the Iowa native singled to left field plating Smith, inching closer on the scoreboard 3-2.

The Jackrabbits would add their final run in the top of the eighth inning when Al Robbins crossed home plate on a stolen base.

Utterback heroics would end the game and secure the first win for the Maroon & White in the series.

"We had two or three situations when we had runners in scoring position but we just didn't get that big hit," said head coach Mitch Hill. "We got into the ninth inning and chip away then Utterback came up with the hit we needed."

"Our pitchers did a great job today, they kept us in the game," said Hill. "Ahrens got the start, then Winter came in and held them then Taylor Knight close it out."

Ryan Ahrens went six innings and struck out three. Derrick Winter saw two innings of work striking out a pair of Jackrabbits while giving up two hits. Taylor Knight posted an inning and the win as he faced the final three batters striking out one.

As a team the Bulldogs collected nine hits and five walks.

The second contest of the doubleheader was not to be as A&M fell 2-1 in seven innings. A&M totaled four hits while freshman Keyonta Welch scored the lone run.

The final game in the series will be played at Bulldog field on Sunday, February 23. First pitch is set for 12:00 p.m.

Print Friendly Version