ST. GEORGE, Utah (Interstat) — In a wild, back-and-forth offensive showcase that saw multiple leads evaporate, the Utah Tech Trailblazers scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to secure a 17-13 victory over the Fresno State Bulldogs on Thursday.

The game, which featured 28 combined runs and 28 hits, was ultimately decided by a two-out, two-run single from Utah Tech second baseman Kyle McDaniel in the eighth. His clutch hit capped a four-run rally that broke a 13-13 tie and propelled the Trailblazers to their 14th win of the season against eight losses. Fresno State fell to 7-13.

The most important part of the game was Utah Tech’s immediate and overwhelming response to Fresno State’s early advantage. After Bulldogs leadoff hitter Owen Faust launched a solo home run to left field in the top of the first inning, the Trailblazers spent the next three frames systematically dismantling the Fresno State pitching staff.

Utah Tech answered with a run in the first, then exploded for five runs in the second inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from McDaniel. The Trailblazers sent 13 batters to the plate in a six-run third inning, chasing Fresno State starter T. Patrick and capitalizing on a fielding error, two walks, and four hits to take a commanding 12-2 lead.

However, Fresno State displayed remarkable resilience. The Bulldogs chipped away with three runs in the second, then mounted a massive seven-run rally in the fourth inning to tie the game at 12-12. The inning was keyed by a two-run single from catcher Ethan Payne and a two-run single from left fielder Cam Schneider.

Utah Tech regained a brief 13-12 edge in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI groundout from pinch-hitter G. Glasgow, but Schneider struck again for Fresno State in the sixth. With two men on, Schneider crushed a three-run home run to left field off reliever E. Brooks, putting the Bulldogs back in front, 15-13.

The lead was short-lived. After a quiet sixth and seventh, the Trailblazers’ offense reignited in the eighth against Fresno State reliever B. Rodriguez. A sacrifice fly from T. Johnsen tied the game at 15-15. After a walk loaded the bases, P. Soto Jr. delivered another sacrifice fly to give Utah Tech the lead. McDaniel then provided the decisive blow, lining a single to left field to score two more, taking advantage of a critical fielding error by the Bulldogs’ second baseman earlier in the inning.

McDaniel finished the day 3 for 6 with a home run and five RBIs, driving in the final two runs of the game. Schneider led the Bulldogs’ offense, going 2 for 4 with a home run and five RBIs. Payne added three hits and two RBIs for Fresno State.

The two teams combined to use 11 pitchers in the marathon contest, which saw five lead changes. The Trailblazers’ bullpen ultimately held firm, with R. Martinez earning the win and R. Kroepel, who moved from the field to the mound, pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

The Bulldogs and Trailblazers are scheduled to continue their series on Friday.