Golden, Colo.: (By Dylan Docker) The Rangers (13-16, 8-13 RMAC) took a trip down I-70 to Jim Darden Field in Golden for a Thursday night match-up with the Orediggers (11-14, 10-11 RMAC) of Colorado School of Mines. Both teams got quality performances from their starting pitchers, but the Orediggers held on for the 3-2 win at home.

Senior right-hander Charlie Henderson got the start for Regis. He was opposed by right-handed junior Blake Dunham. 

Junior center fielder Ryan Eustice put immediate pressure on the Mines starter by leading off the game with a double. After advancing to third on a fielder's choice, Eustice scored on a sacrifice fly from senior left fielder Alex Haag.

The Orediggers tied the game at one with a sacrifice fly of their own in the second inning, but a pair of doubles from junior shortstop Cody Hastings and junior second baseman Nick Billinger put the Rangers back on top in the third. 

Three hits, a wild pitch, and an error by the Regis defense allowed the Orediggers to score a pair of runs and regain the lead in the fourth inning. Dunham was able to protect the 3-2 home advantage to give Mines a victory in the series opener.

The Orediggers won with three runs on six hits and no errors. The Rangers scored two runs on nine hits and one error in the loss. Dunham (3-3) allowed two runs and struck out 10 in a complete-game effort to earn the win for Mines. Henderson (2-3) pitched well for Regis but was charged with the loss. He pitched all eight innings for the Rangers with only three runs (two earned) allowed and four strikeouts.

Although he batted ninth for the Rangers on Thursday, Hastings finished 3-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Billinger collected two hits in four at-bats, including his RBI double in the third inning.

The Rangers will continue their four-game set with the Orediggers tomorrow, April 6 with a doubleheader at Jim Darden Field. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Game two is scheduled to begin at approximately 6:00 p.m.