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Utah Valley (4-4) jumped out to a 3-0 lead on Tuesday night against Arizona. Their pitching staff kept the Arizona (7-2) bats in check, holding them to just one run, handing the Wildcats their first home loss since May 26th, 2012.
The Wolverines chased Wildcat starter Tyler Crawford (1-1) after just 2 1/3 innings, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits. Crawford was coming off of a great outing against Long Beach State last Wednesday.
"One was an error and one was a lost ball in the lights."
Nick Cunningham replaced Crawford, and was stellar. Cunningham had his best outing of his college career, going a career-long 5 2/3 innings, giving up just 3 hits and 2 walks without allowing a run.
Matthew Troupe came in during the 9th inning to finish out the game.
Arizona answered in the bottom of the 4th when Trent Gilbert drove in Johnny Field with a single to center. But that would be it for the Wildcats on the night.
They went just 2-11 with runners in scoring position on the night. "We struggled a lot." said Arizona head coach Andy Lopez.
Utah Valley was no better, going just 1-8. But their pitchers kept them in front after the early runs.
Utah Valley starting pitcher Andrew Freter (1-0) went 5 1/3 innings on the night, giving up just the one unearned run in the fourth.
"Their guy pitched outstanding." said Lopez.
Jeff Barto and Brian Whatcott (S, 2) finished out the game for the Wolverines, with Barto giving up just 2 hits.
The Wildcats and Wolverines finish the two-game series Wednesday afternoon at 1 PM at Hi Corbett Field. Freshman Cody Moffett (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will go for Arizona against Utah Valley sophomore Ty Hansen (0-0, 3.86 ERA).