The Utah Utes softball team defended almost every Washington Huskies batter well enough to win. But designated hitter Rylee Holtorf was the difference.
Holtorf gave the Utes fits in a 4-1 loss to Washington in the first round of the Women’s College World Series. Utah will play Oklahoma State at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the loser’s bracket, a game it has to win to keep the season alive.
Utes pitcher Mariah Lopez threw six innings. She struck out five batters, but gave up seven hits and four earned runs.
Utah’s Hayley Denning slapped her way to a double in the top of the second despite Washington’s defense shifting inside to try stifling her speed. Kendall Lundberg doubled and drove Denning home to give the Utes a 1-0 lead.
But Washington answered. Holtorf hit a two-run homer off Lopez in the bottom of the second with two outs. Her fifth home run of the season was the third she’s hit off Utes pitchers. It was also the first home run Lopez has given up in the postseason.
The Huskies extended their lead in the sixth behind a single from Holtorf and a sacrifice fly from Olivia Johnson.
The Utes had plenty of good chances to cut into their deficit. They left nine batters on base and hit just 1 of 7 with runners in scoring position.
This story will be updated.