March 2, 2008

ST. GEORGE, Utah - Dixie State scored three runs with two out in the ninth inning and eventually went on to beat Utah Valley in 11 innings, 7-6, on Sunday in the first of a short two-game series.

Ryan Jones had three hits and Jace Brinkerhoff had two while Kai Hatch drove in two runs for the Wolverines (1-6-1). Jordan Daley was 4-for-5 for the Rebels (9-5) while Blake Mickelson had three hits and two RBI. Frans Meyer was the hero for Dixie State, connecting on a two-out, two-run home run in the ninth inning to send the game into extra innings.

Kyle Kasper (0-1) suffered the loss for Utah Valley. He was online to get the win after coming on in relief for starter Aaron Brady, who allowed two earned runs (three total) on eight hits in 5.2 innings.

In the bottom of the ninth, Daley led off with a double but was still at third two outs later. Mickelson singled to score Daley, bringing the Rebels within two runs and two pitches later, Meyer tied the game.

After a scoreless 10th, Jones led off the 11th with a double but was stranded after a strikeout, walk and an inning ending double play.

The Rebels had runners at first and second with one out in the 11th when Craig Stingham came on to replace Kasper for the Wolverines. A single through the left side loaded the bases with just one out before Stringham struck out Meyer for the second out. Just moments later though, a wild pitch allowed Abe Candaleria to score the winning run to give the Rebels the extra inning win.

The series finale will be played Monday at 1pm at Hurst Field in St. George. Dixie State will be in Orem for a three-game series April 24-26 at Brent Brown Ballpark.