OREM, Utah — Utah Valley's
Hunter Katschke broke the program's single-season home run record with his 19th homer in a 14-10 loss to California Baptist on Friday night at UCCU Ballpark. Katschke's milestone came as part of his fourth multi-home run game of the season. Utah Valley (15-29, 1-9 WAC) also matched a season high with four home runs for the second time this year. While they pounded out 16 hits, just one shy of the season-high 17 against Utah Tech. California Baptist (35-11, 8-5 WAC) was led by reigning WAC Freshman of the Year Chris Ramirez, who went 4 for 6 with two home runs and three extra-base hits.
The Wolverines jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run homer, but the Lancers answered with three runs in the second to take a 3-2 lead. Katschke tied the game with his 18th home run, matching the previous single-season record held by
Burke Camper,
Daniel Dickinson and Goose Kallunki.
Ramirez helped CBU regain control with a pair of home runs — a solo shot in the second and another in the fourth — to extend the lead to 6-4. Utah Valley responded in the fourth when
DJ Massey singled and later scored from first on Katschke's RBI double to cut the deficit to 6-5.
Trailing 9-5 in the fifth, the Wolverines capitalized on a defensive miscue to spark a rally.
Chipper Beck reached on an errant throw and moved to third on a single by Strong, one of six Wolverines with at least two hits.
Derek Houston followed with an RBI single to make it 9-6, but CBU escaped further damage with strong defensive plays, including two line-drive catches by Ben Castelli and a diving grab by Ryder Dystra.
Katschke led off the sixth with his record-breaking 19th home run to make it 9-7, and
Kaden Carpenter followed with his 11th homer to bring Utah Valley within one run at 9-8.
The Lancers pulled away in the eighth when Castelli hit a two-out grand slam to extend the lead to 13-8. Utah Valley mounted a late push as Strong singled to start the inning.
Will Applegate was hit by a pitch, and
Trenton Rowan drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Massey added an RBI double to cut the deficit to 14-10, but the rally fell short.
UP NEXT
Utah Valley and California Baptist continue the series Saturday at 3 p.m. MT at UCCU Ballpark. The game will air on ESPN+ and on 103.9 & 98.3 ESPN The Fan.
