By Christopher Graham
The BYU baseball team completed a three-game sweep of the University of Utah in games two and three on Friday and Saturday at Larry H. Miller Field.
The Cougars (22-20, 14-10) came out strong in the second game in front of 2,512 fans, the fourth largest crowd ever at Miller Field, to thump the Utes 16-5.
Game three of the series proved to be a nail-biter finish. The Cougars scored two runs in the ninth inning to win 7-6.
BYU got off to an early lead in game two of the series as sophomore right fielder Ryan Chambers blasted a home run in the first inning, giving the Cougars a lead they would not give up.
Head coach Vance Law credited the strong start followed by a stronger finish to a team that is more relaxed.
“The pressure is basically off from trying to win the conference,” Law said. “Our guys are playing with a great deal of confidence.”
Junior Paul Jacinto (7-5) started on the mound for the Cougars. He surrendered no hits in the first three innings and allowed only seven hits through seven innings before senior Tyler Dabo relieved him.
“One thing that has impressed me most about Paul is as games get longer he gets stronger,” said sophomore catcher Casey Cloward.
The Cougars out hit the Utes in the second game 20-10.
The Cougars only problem in game two, was a miscommunication in the fourth inning. Junior shortstop Ranger Wiens hit a drive to center field that scored two runs. However, he inadvertently ran past Chambers, who was running ahead of him, causing Weins to be called out on the play.
The final game of the series was a different story. The Cougars led 5-2 after four innings, but the Utes managed to score four runs in the fifth inning to take the lead.
Utah pitcher Jason Price held the Cougars scoreless for the next two innings, allowing Brady Martinez to come in and attempt the save.
In an exciting ninth inning, the Cougars played strategically. After freshman pinch hitter Clayton Carson singled to left field, junior first baseman Tim Law was able to throw down a bunt, advancing Carson to second. Junior second baseman Rob Itri grounded out to second base, allowing Carson to advance to third. Jackson then singled, allowing Carson to score the tying run.
Chambers then capitalized on a Utah field error, advancing Jackson to second. Wiens” single to left field allowed Jackson to score the winning run.
“We will enjoy this win for a day, but we have a lot of work to do to prepare for San Diego State,” Wiens said.
The series improves BYU”s overall record to 22-20 and its Mountain West Conference record to 14-10.
The Utes fall to 19-27 on the season with a record of 6-17 in the MWC.
The Cougars are back in action Thursday at 7 p.m. to face San Diego State at Miller Field.
