SAN DIEGO — The University of Utah baseball team outhit San Diego State 10-3 Thursday night. But the Utes still dropped a 7-6 decision to the Aztecs in Mountain West Conference play.
Utah (17-14, 2-2 MWC) committed three errors, including two costly miscues in the fifth inning. With the game knotted at 2-2, Ute shortstop Ryan Khoury and second baseman Tyler Kmetko committed errors on the same play. That play allowed two runs to score and led to two unearned runs — and four total runs — in the inning, giving SDSU a 6-2 lead.
Utah battled back, scoring two runs in the sixth to pull within 6-4. Ute third baseman Jay Brossman hit a solo home run. Center fielder John Welsh then doubled to left field and later scored on an Erich Kemp base hit. Utah pulled within one run, 6-5, in the top of the seventh. Left fielder Corey Shimada singled and later scored on a groundout off the bat of second baseman Tyler Kmetko.
San Diego State (12-26, 5-3) got an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth when Tim O'Brien hit a solo home run to give the Aztecs a 7-5 lead.
Utah had a chance to tie the game or take the lead in the ninth. Designated hitter Bret Baldwin led off the inning with a triple and scored to make it 7-6 when Eric King followed with a pinch-hit single. Shimada then reached on an error, giving Utah runners at first and second with no outs.
Mike Tummolo pinch ran for King and was thrown out at third, trying to steal. Shortstop Ryan Khoury then grounded out to third. Kmetko struck out swinging to end the contest.
Josh Cooper (3-4) suffered the loss for Utah. He allowed six runs — four earned — on two hits. Cooper allowed six walks, but managed to strike out 10 Aztecs. Shad McCord tossed the final 2 1/3 innings, allowing just the solo home run to O'Brien. Kemp and Shimada each had two hits to lead Utah at the plate.
Justin Masterson (4-5) took the win for San Diego State. He tossed 6 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on eight hits, while striking out 10 Utes. Adam Simon tossed the final 2 1/3 innings for the Aztecs, picking up his fourth save.
The Utes and Aztecs continue their series tonight. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m.