Utah Valley lost to California Baptist, 14-8, in a high-scoring baseball game on May 2. The game was the second of a weekend series between the two teams.
The matchup saw strong offensive performances from both sides. Hunter Katschke led Utah Valley by going 3-for-5 at the plate, hitting his 20th home run of the season and scoring three runs. Kaden Carpenter contributed three runs batted in, while Chipper Beck and Derek Houston each drove in two runs for the Wolverines.
California Baptist was led by Chris Ramirez, who finished with six hits, including a home run and two doubles. For Utah Valley, Brody Block, Beck and Houston each recorded two hits during the contest.
Early in the game, Utah Valley used home runs to stay close to California Baptist. Katschke hit his milestone home run leading off the first inning. After falling behind 4-1 in the third inning, DJ Massey and Katschke singled before moving into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt from Block. Carpenter then hit his twelfth home run of the year to tie it at four runs apiece.
California Baptist extended its lead but Utah Valley responded late. In the sixth inning, Beck was hit by a pitch and Mason Strong singled before Houston’s double brought both runners home to reduce CBU’s advantage to four runs. In the seventh inning, Katschke and Block reached base before advancing on a wild pitch; Beck followed with a double that scored them both as Utah Valley attempted another rally.
The series will conclude on Sunday afternoon at UCCU Ballpark. It will be their final meeting as Western Athletic Conference opponents before both programs move to The Big West Conference starting July 1.
