March 31, 2006
OREM, Utah - Kalen Parsons lasted eight innings, striking out seven as Utah Valley State topped Southern Utah 6-2 for its second straight series win and third overall over the in-state rival T-Birds.
The Wolverines (9-19) smacked out 14 hits and assured themselves of at least a series split with the T-Birds (12-9) after Thursday 13-7 series opening win.
For Parsons (1-6), it was his longest outing of the season and his first win of 2006 as he carried a shutout into the eighth inning before giving up a two-run home run to Jeff Oliverson.
"I'm just happy as can be over Kalen's effort," said Wolverine coach Steve Gardner. "He's been roughed up a bit but he really did a good job."
"I just relaxed. I was worry free...just go out and have fun," said Parsons. "It was nice. It's a new experience for me going that deep into the game. I was so excited coming in to throw today after we hit the ball (Thursday) night."
Utah Valley jumped out on top early after Nick Connor hit a one-out double down the left field line and scored on an RBI single from Eli Slesk in the first inning.
They added two more in the third when Dan Bulow drove in Slesk with a ground ball and Chris Benson came scored from second on an error by third baseman Chester Wilson.
The remained 3-0 until the bottom of the sixth when Connor delivered another double, this time to left center, scoring Brad Hales from first.
Adam Openshaw then delivered a big blow with a hard two-run single to first that scored Benson and Canyon Vance, making it 6-0 Wolverines.
Oliverson then hit his 1st home run of the season to just right of centerfield for the final 6-2 tally.
"We've been more aggressive and out two-out hits have been huge," said Connor, who led Utah Valley with three hits and is 6-for-10 after returning from an injury. "Even with me out of the lineup the team's really been coming together. I'm just glad I can be a part of it."
Larry Ellenbrook (2-3) suffered the loss for Southern Utah after allowing six runs (five earned) and 11 hits over six innings of work.
Oliverson had three of the seven hits for the T-Birds with all three coming for extra bases.
Southern Utah finished the game just 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position while Utah Valley was 8-for-22.
Slesk, Benson, Vance and Openshaw all had two hits apiece for the Wolverines. Vance is 11-for-16 (.688) with a home run and five RBI in four games this week for Utah Valley State.
The series will conclude with a doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 1:00pm.
