OREM — By salvaging the series finale with a 5-4 win Saturday, Utah Valley State (10-24) bounced back from giving up an eye-popping 30 runs and 11 home runs Friday while losing both ends of a doubleheader to Utah (16-13).

"I think this win means a lot," UVSC starting pitcher Kam Mickolio said. "I think it lifts everyone's spirits again after the blowouts (Friday). It's good for all of us."

Wolverine shortstop Eli Slesk scored the game-winning run in the bottom half of the eighth, scoring from second base on Adam Openshaw's single to right field with two outs.

Slesk had reached base on a single and then gotten into scoring position by stealing second despite attempting the steal on a pitchout.

"It was a called steal," Slesk said. "As I was going I looked back and saw it was a pitchout, so I knew I was going to have to make a good slide. I slid to the outside of the base. I think the throw beat me, but (the shortstop) didn't get the tag down on me so I was lucky to be safe there."

Although he didn't get the win, Mickolio pitched very well in giving up two earned runs over six innings of work.

"All I did today was keep the ball down, as compared to yesterday (when) we kind of left it up for them to hit," Mickolio said. "I was just trying to stay within the zone and down."

View Comments

Kyle Beecher (1-1) got the win for the Wolverines by allowing one run in three innings of relief. After blowing a one-run lead in the top of the eighth, Beecher bounced back with a 1-2-3 ninth that included two strikeouts.

The Utes fell behind 4-0 before clawing their way back into the game. Utah center fielder John Welsh completed the comeback, scoring the game-tying run in the top of the eighth on Josh Bell's sacrifice fly to dead center field.

Starting pitcher Lucas Trinnaman pitched ineffectively for the Utes, giving up four runs in 4 2/3 innings of work.

UVSC left fielder Canyon Vance hit a solo homer to left field in the second inning for the game's only home run.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.