OREM, Utah – Utah Valley fell on the wrong side of a pitcher's duel Sunday afternoon, dropping a 2-1 decision to California Baptist at UCCU Ballpark. Utah Valley (15-31) got a combined effort from
Maddax Peck and
Bradley Gilbert that limited California Baptist (37-11) to just two runs on five hits while striking out eight.
Kaden Carpenter and
Mason Hamlin recorded the Wolverines' two hits.
The Lancers struck first in the opening inning, taking a 1-0 lead on a wild pitch that scored Cole Hansen, who doubled with one out against Peck. Utah Valley's defense limited further damage when Connor Ross flied out to left field, and
Hunter Katschke threw out Bryce McFeely at third as he attempted to advance.
Peck settled in, recording three of his next six outs by strikeout, including two in the second inning and one in the third. He finished with a career-high five strikeouts over a career-best five innings.
The Wolverines threatened in the third when CBU starter Ryne Palmer walked
Mason Hamlin and
Cooper Brass to open the inning. After
DJ Massey bunted both runners into scoring position, Palmer escaped with back-to-back strikeouts.
Utah Valley continued to work out of trouble in the fourth inning. With two runners on and no outs, Peck struck out Cole Howarth before a flyout ended the frame, keeping the deficit at 1-0.
UVU answered in the bottom of the fourth with a two-out rally.
Derek Houston was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored on a Hamlin triple to right-center field to tie the game at 1-1.
California Baptist regained the lead in the fifth inning when the leadoff hitter reached on an error and later scored on a single by Chris Ramirez to make it 2-1.
The Wolverines loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth after
Trenton Rowan drew a walk and Katschke was hit by a pitch. Both advanced on a high chopper from
Brody Block, but the Lancers used three pitchers to retire the next three batters and escape the jam.
Gilbert entered in the sixth and allowed a one-out single before retiring the next nine batters he faced. He finished with four innings pitched, matching a season high, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out three.
Utah Valley's middle infield turned a 4-6-3 double play in the ninth inning to erase a Lancers threat and keep it a one-run game. However, the Wolverines were unable to rally in the bottom half.
UP NEXT
Utah Valley is scheduled to play Tuesday, May 5, in Salt Lake City against Utah. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. MT at Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark. UVU returns to WAC play next weekend with a three-game series at Abilene Christian.
