Denver, Colo.: The Ranger baseball team dropped two today to Metro State by scores of 11-0 and 4-3. The Rangers hadn't been shutout in 73 games, dating back to May 1, 2009.
Regis (12-14, 10-9 RMAC) just couldn't get anything going in the first game getting just five hits in the game. Metro State (16-8, 12-7 RMAC) got five runs in the second inning and four more in the sixth to make it a no-doubter.
Junior shortstop Ty Lain went 2-for-2 at the plate. Junior lefty Steve Falconi dropped his third game of the season against three wins.
As much of a one-sided game the first game was, the second game was a complete opposite.
Metro State got on the board first with one run in the bottom of the first inning. Regis responded with a run of their own in the top of the second inning. Lain led off the inning with a walk and then advanced to second base when junior Dave Holland singled to centerfield.
The Roadrunners held a 3-1 lead heading into the sixth inning. Senior Zach Blakeley led off the inning with a single to left field. Two batters later, Lain moved Blakeley to second on a single to left field. Blakeley and Lain then moved up on a balk by Metro State starter Corey Collins.
Holland came through again for Regis as he singled to centerfield to drive in both Blakeley and Lain and tie the game up. Holland moved up to second on the throw and with just one out it looked as though the Rangers might get more. Holland advanced to third when freshman Jay Rollinson singled to right field. Unfortunately, Holland and Rollinson would be stranded as the Rangers were unable to produce anymore runs.
Freshman right-hand starter Steven Brault started the sixth inning but gave up a leadoff double and then a single by the next batter put Metro State up 4-3. Sophomore Hunter Aronson then replaced Brault and he was able to get out of the inning without any further damage.
Senior Aaron Salvucci started off the Ranger portion of the seventh inning with a single to first base. Sophomore Bob Terry then sacrificed Salvucci over to second. Blakeley struck out for the second out of the inning and following a wild pitch, Salvucci was able to move to third and put the potential tying run 90 feet from the plate with two outs however.
The Rangers were in a good position as the team's top hitter, freshman Jon Shoutta, came to the plate. However, Metro State's reliever Ty Jacobs rose to the occassion and induced a fly ball to centerfield for the final out of the game.
Holland went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs. Sophomore catcher Nano Jacobsen had two hits in three at-bats and drove in the other run for Regis. Blakeley also collected two hits, his in four at-bats.
Brault allowed four earned runs, while striking out four, falling to 2-4 on the season.
The two teams will play one more game tomorrow beginning at noon on the campus of Metro State.
