The Fresno State Diamond ‘Dogs opened up their season with an 8-3 home loss against the University of Utah.

The back-to-back Mountain West champions fell behind early, never seeing a lead.

Senior pitcher Drew Townson took the mound for the ‘Dogs, and a rough outing started just two batters in.

After walking the first batter of the game, Utah’s Jake Long blasted a two-run homer to right field on the first pitch he saw.

Townson struggled to get ahead in counts in his start. He walked four batters and also hit one in 2.1 innings pitched.

The Bulldog defense wasn’t able to back up their starter, recording five errors in the game, with Townson committing one of them.

By the bottom of the third inning, the ‘Dogs were down 5-1.

Due to the errors, Townson ended his first start with just two earned runs.

The Diamond ‘Dogs flashed offense at times but couldn’t string together rallies.

Shortstop Brady Hewitt ripped a triple to right-center field, scoring right fielder Marcus Nolen in the bottom of the second inning.

In the sixth inning, Nolen followed up center fielder Sky Collins’ triple with a sacrifice fly, driving in Collins.

Both teams tacked on runs after the seventh-inning stretch, but the Utes continued to control the game heading into the bottom of the ninth.

The ‘Dogs had two runners on with two outs in the final frame. Left fielder Cam Schneider fouled out down the first base line, ending the game.

The Bulldogs scored three runs on nine hits.

The ‘Dogs will continue their opening series against the Utes on Valentine’s Day. First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. at Bob Bennett Stadium.