Utah Valley lost a close baseball game to California Baptist, 2-1, at UCCU Ballpark on May 3. Maddax Peck and Bradley Gilbert combined efforts for Utah Valley, holding California Baptist to two runs on five hits and striking out eight batters. Kaden Carpenter and Mason Hamlin recorded the only two hits for the Wolverines.
The game began with California Baptist taking an early lead in the first inning after Cole Hansen doubled and later scored on a wild pitch. Utah Valley’s defense prevented further scoring when Hunter Katschke threw out a runner advancing to third base.
Peck struck out five over five innings, setting career highs in both categories. The Wolverines threatened in the third inning by getting runners into scoring position but were unable to score as CBU pitcher Ryne Palmer struck out consecutive batters.
Utah Valley tied the game at one in the fourth inning when Derek Houston was hit by a pitch, stole second base, and scored on Hamlin’s triple. However, California Baptist regained the lead in the fifth after an error allowed a runner who eventually scored on Chris Ramirez’s single.
Gilbert entered as relief pitcher for Utah Valley in the sixth inning and retired nine of ten batters faced over four innings. The Wolverines had opportunities with bases loaded but could not capitalize against multiple Lancer pitchers late in the game.
Utah Valley will play its next game against Utah on Tuesday, May 5, at Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark before returning to conference play next weekend.
