Harding, Atkinson Homer but Bulldogs Prevail
Kyle McDonald, Sports Writer, @kylesportsbias
Starting the season off in sunny California, the Utah Valley baseball team was looking to build off the success of the 2014 season. It didn’t start off well for the Wolverines as the day started off with a heart breaking loss to Gonzaga by a score of 3-2.
The UVU offense never got started with their runs coming by way of solo home runs by freshmen Tate Harding in the top of the 5th and Jake Atkinson in the top of the 7th. Harding and Atkinson collected five of the seven Wolverine hits between them. Harding also doubled to right center field in the top of the 7th inning but was caught stealing and this happened right before Atkinson hit a solo home run to tie the score.
Junior right-hander Danny Beddes started on the mound for the Wolverines and took the loss. He pitched 6.2 strong innings and struck out nine Bulldog hitters along the way but also gave up three earned runs.
The Bulldogs did all their damage with two outs. The go-ahead run coming on a two out triple by Mitchell Gunsolus. The Wolverines were able to get runners on in the ninth inning but were unable to push across the tying run. It was a tough way to start the season but UVU had to bounce right back as they had to face host Cal State Northridge.
