MESA, Ariz. - Utah Valley clinched the first spot in Saturday's championship game, using a six-run seventh inning to upset the top-seed Seattle U, 13-8, on Friday night at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz.
The Redhawks flew out to the early 4-0 lead in the top of the first, highlighted by a two-RBI single by Lucas Danney. The Wolverines tacked on a run in the bottom of the innings but Seattle U added two more in the third as it looked like the regular season champions would move into the title game.
Utah Valley had other plans as two runs in the bottom of the fourth and four runs in the bottom of the sixth gave the Wolverines a one-run lead. The Wolverines blew the game open in the seventh, posting six runs to take a 13-6 lead. Seattle U added a pair in the top of the ninth but it was too little, too late as UVU earned the 13-8 win.
Jake Mayer earned the win for Utah Valley, allowing just two hits with four strikeouts and no walks over five and two-third innings. Tyler Oldenburg was handed the loss for Seattle U, allowing two runs on two hits in just one-third innings pitched.
Seattle U will now take on NM State in a loser-out game on Saturday at 3 p.m. Utah Valley awaits the winner of that game at 7 p.m.