Sacramento State softball lost in walk-off fashion yesterday to the Southern Utah Thunderbirds 6-5 in Cedar City, Utah.

The Hornets scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning when senior center fielder Kelli Frye tripled in sophomore left fielder Alexa Chattleton. Freshman first baseman Alyssa Vanderdrink quickly followed suit as she hit a two-run home run that tied up the game.

However, Vanderdrink’s home run was spoiled by a game-winning hit by Southern Utah’s designated hitter Kelsey Bryant when she singled in freshman center fielder Kylee Wolf.  

Southern Utah’s offense scored the first of six runs in the first inning and hurt Hornet sophomore pitcher Caitlin Brooks’ chance to win the final game of the tied series.

Brooks pitched six innings, allowing five runs to score on eight hits while only walking three and striking out four Thunderbird batters.

The Hornets responded in the fourth inning to tie the game 2-2 when sophomore Riley Price scored pinch runner Makenzie Wayandande and junior shortstop Yesenia Alcala singled to score freshman Kortney Solis.

Sac State had chances throughout the game to take the lead in both the fourth and seventh innings, but was unable to do so when Fry grounded out with the bases full.

The Hornets also failed to score senior third baseman Emily McCormick in the seventh inning when all three outs, following the double, were completed in just five pitches.

Junior pitcher Taylor Stroud finished the game going an inning and two-thirds; eventually giving up the game winning hit to Bryant in the bottom of the eighth inning.

With the loss, Stroud’s season record drops to 4-6 with a 2.71 ERA and the Hornets’ record drops to 18-15 and 3-3 in Big Sky Conference play.

Sac State will play Weber State at home for a three game series this Friday and Saturday. First pitch is at 1 p.m.

Clifton can be reached on Twitter at @jonesSHsports