April 2, 2013

PROVO, Utah -- After four scoreless innings, Utah Valley University surrendered a four-run fifth inning at BYU on Tuesday, eventually falling 8-0 in a midweek contest at Miller Park.

UVU starter Devin Nelson, who began the game on a pitch count in preparation for this weekend's Great West Conference opener, pitched into the fifth and allowed just one run on three hits but took the loss.

The Wolverines (9-17) had chances to score early: Greyson Bogden doubled to start the game but was stranded at second and Kade Andrus singled and stole second base to begin the fourth but was also left there.

In the fifth, the Cougars (14-14) scored first on a sac-fly by Bret Lopez before Trace Hansen doubled and Jacob Hannemann followed with a two-run home run.

BYU added four more in the seventh, two on a double from Hannemann who went 3-for-4 with four RBIs.

Mark Anderson pitched into the ninth for the Cougars, pitching 8.1 shutout innings on six hits. He struck out four and walked a pair to move to 3-1 on the year. Matt Milke retired the final two outs to preserve the shutout.

For the Wolverines, Bogden had two hits on the night to lead the way. Taylor Berg made his return to the lineup and behind the plate after being injured in the second game of the season against Oregon State. Berg finished 1-for-4 with a single.

Utah Valley will open the final Great West Conference season this weekend in a four-game series at NJIT. The Wolverines and Highlanders will play a single game on Friday before a Saturday doubleheader. The series finale will be Sunday.