The Dirtbags got their record above .500 for the first time in 2014 with a 12-0 victory over Utah Valley.
Friday’s 12 runs and 18 hits were both season highs for the Dirtbags (7-6), who seem to be a long way from their offensive struggles early in the season. They didn’t score their 12th run of the season until their fifth game of the season, but have now put up 11 or more in three games this season and have outscored their opponents 50-8 in their seven wins.
“Slowly, we have shown some strides and some improvements” said head coach Troy Buckley. “We still have some things to clean up, but it’s a good sign.”
All the offense the Dirtbags needed came in the first three innings. After a 1-2-3 first inning, the Dirtbags scored five runs in the next two innings led by cleanup hitter Richard Prigatano. In the second, Prigatano hit a fly ball to right that got past the diving right fielder Riley White. While the ball was rolling to the wall, Prigatano rounded second and got to third easily. He then scored on a groundout by Ino Patron.
The Dirtbags were gifted four more runs in the third inning. A Michael Hill single scored Colby Brenner. Hill scored on a Prigatano single, and the Prigatano stole second base. He moved to third on an error on a pickoff throw by Wolverines pitcher Andrew Freter. Patron walked and stole second, and they both scored on a wild play that involved two errors by the Wolverines.
LBSU did more damage in the sixth inning, once again led by Prigatano. The Dirtbags scored two early in the inning, and Prigatano came up with the bases loaded. He hit one off the wall in left-center, just coming shy of a grand slam. By the time the center fielder picked up the ball, Prigatano was on third with his second triple of the game and the Dirtbags were up 10-0.
“Right when pitchers come out of the pen, they always want to get ahead,” Prigatano said. “I knew he was gonna come with a fastball. I thought it was out, but I’ve learned to run everything out here, especially at night because the ball doesn’t carry as well.”
Two more runs made the score 12-0, which was more than enough support for Dirtbags starter Nick Sabo. Sabo bounced back from his worst outing of the season and went seven scoreless innings, only giving up three hits and striking out seven.
Sabo got some defensive help from freshman shortstop Garrett Hampson in the second inning. With Craig Brinkerhoff on second, Colby Croft hit a line drive that looked like a surefire RBI single to center. Hampson laid out and made a great catch to bail Sabo out of the inning.
“When the game comes, adrenaline kicks in,” said Sabo. “I was just able to work off that.”
Josh Frye came into the game in relief of Sabo and threw two scoreless innings to preserve the shutout and give the Dirtbags a winning record.
The Dirtbags take on the Wolverines Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.
