Box Score ABILENE, Texas – Utah Valley lost the first game of its weekend series to Abilene Christian, 9-2, on Friday night. The Wolverines (15-33) were led by home runs from Chipper Beck and Kaden Carpenter, but a four-run sixth inning by ACU (24-25) swung the game to the Wildcats. The inning included a two-run single by JT Thompson, who finished with four RBIs.
 
The Wolverines struck first with a home run from Beck in the second inning to take a 1-0 lead. Jacob Heppner made the Friday night start and retired the first seven hitters he faced, including back-to-back strikeouts looking to end the first inning and start the second.
 
The Wildcats tied the game in the third inning on an RBI double from Zandt Payne that scored Kanon Sundgren from first base. Utah Valley quickly answered with a solo home run from Carpenter, his 13th of the season, to give UVU a 2-1 lead. ACU starter Aidan Coleman settled in and did not allow another hit until the seventh inning.
 
UVU had chances in the fifth and sixth innings to add to its lead. Derek Houston reached on an error in the fifth before Cooper Brass reached on a fielder's choice and Trenton Rowan was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second with two outs. Carpenter walked in the sixth inning and stole second to move into scoring position, but Coleman held strong and did not allow a run.
 
The Wildcats pulled in front with four runs across the sixth and seventh innings to take a 9-2 lead and secure the series-opening victory.
 
Aaron Rice tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen for the Wolverines.
 
UP NEXT
The Wolverines and Wildcats will play the second game of the weekend set on Saturday, May 9, with a 2 p.m. MT / 3 p.m. CT start in Abilene. The series concludes Sunday at 11 a.m. MT. Both games will air on WAC International.