Air Force defeated Utah Valley 5-4 on Apr. 14, completing a perfect six-game homestand and remaining unbeaten at Erdle Field with an 11-0 record this season. The Falcons collected six hits in the game, and three pitchers combined for seven strikeouts.
The win is significant as it extends Air Force’s home winning streak and gives the team momentum heading into their next series. Freshman Jordan Watkins had a standout performance in his fourth start, pitching five innings and recording four strikeouts. Josh Holst followed with three innings of relief, allowing three runs while striking out two to earn his first career win. Sam Hentges closed out the ninth inning, striking out one batter and allowing no hits to secure his second save of the season.
Ben Niednagel led Air Force offensively with two hits and scored twice. Walker Zapp contributed a team-high two runs batted in (RBIs), while Wyatt Hanoian and Tripp Garrish each added one RBI. The Falcons took an early lead in the first inning when Niednagel singled and later scored on a double by Hanoian.
Air Force extended its lead to 3-0 in the third inning after loading the bases early; Bradshaw walked, Niednagel reached on an infield single, and Hanoian was hit by a pitch before Zapp brought home a run on a fielder’s choice and Garrish followed with an RBI single. Utah Valley narrowed the gap to 3-1 in the fifth but Air Force responded in the seventh as Bradshaw singled, advanced to third on flyouts, then scored when Zapp delivered another RBI single.
Utah Valley rallied for three runs in the eighth inning to tie it at four apiece. In response, Air Force loaded the bases after Elmore and Jenkins were hit by pitches and Wolff drew a walk; three stolen bases ensued with Elmore stealing home for what proved to be the winning run.
Looking ahead, Air Force will travel for a Mountain West series against Grand Canyon from April 17–19.
