Five-Run Fifth Propels UW To Win Over Utah

Saturday, May 11

Seattle, WA

2:00 PM

University of Washington

26-19, 0

Utah

12-30, 0

Utah

Washington

May 11, 2019 | Baseball

Box Score VIDEO - Michael Petrie Post-Game Interview VIDEO - Highlights and Recap

By: Brian Tom

SEATTLE – Washington scored all five of its runs in the fifth inning to rally past Utah, 5-4, at a sunny Husky Ballpark on Saturday to clinch the series. The Huskies (26-19, 11-12 Pac) will go for the sweep over the Utes (12-30, 4-22) on Sunday with first pitch scheduled for noon.

The Huskies were limited to just four hits on the day, but they were the recipients of nine walks and a hit batter. Michael Petrie, who is in just his second weekend of playing in the outfield for the Huskies, delivered the big hit of the day, a two-run, two-out single that capped a crucial rally.

The Utes came out chugging on all cylinders, jumping ahead with three runs in the second and another run in the third to go up 4-0. Shea Kramer led off the second with a home run to left field and after a sacrifice fly and RBI double, Utah led 3-0. They tacked on another run in the third on an infield single.

The Husky bats were quiet against Utah starter Josh Tedeschi (5-5) until the fifth inning. Despite only collecting two hits, the Huskies would bat around and score five times, thanks to five walks.

After a Joe Wainhouse lead-off single, the next two Huskies – Ben Baird and Nick Roberts – walked. Braiden Ward put the Huskies on the board with a sacrifice fly, cutting the deficit to 4-1.

The next three Huskies – Mason Cerrillo, Nick Kahle and Ramon Bramasco – would draw walks, forcing in two more runs and making it a one-run game. That set the table for Petrie, who delivered the gut punch to the Utes. The right fielder got ahead in the count and delivered a two-run single to centerfield that gave him five RBI for the series and gave his team its first lead of the game.

Prior to last week, Petrie had been relegated to a role as back-up catcher and pinch hitter. But with injuries ravaging the Huskies' outfield, he has stepped into a starting role – albeit at a different position. He has taken full advantage of his opportunity, going 7-for-17 with six RBIs since earning a more prominent role.

"I always knew that if I stuck through it and kind of waited for my turn, the opportunity would come, and I just have to take advantage of it," Petrie said. "Right now, it's in the outfield and it's been a lot of fun."

Jordon Jones was the recipient of the Huskies' offensive outburst. He pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing the four early runs on eight hits and a walk. For Jones, he picked up his second-consecutive win in as many weeks to improve his season record to 4-4.

Jones would leave in the sixth with two runners on base, but Jack Enger would induce an inning-ending double play to get out of trouble. It was the third inning-ending double play turned by the Huskies.

Utah threatened in the ninth inning, with back-to-back singles after there were two outs. But Stevie Emanuels, who has seemingly stepped into the closer role, would strike out Zack Moeller to end the game and pick up his fifth save of the season.