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Box Score 2 Denver, Colo..: (By Wes Keelan) The Regis Rangers split today's doubleheader with the Adams State Grizzlies. The Rangers exploded in the first game as they scored nearly every inning but fell in the second game as a result of two big innings from the Grizzly offense.
The Ranger bats lit up the scoreboard to start the day off as they scored five runs in the first inning. It seemed like everyone was clicking as the offense was able to hit the gaps and square up the baseball.
Steven Brault picked up the first RBI of the day with a single to right field scoring Nick Billinger and advancing Cody Hastings. Tony Schicktanz and Nano Jacobsen also singled to bring home more runs in this slugfest of an inning. After the first inning, it was smooth sailing for the Rangers and starting pitcher Steven Brault. The Rangers would go on to score seven more runs throughout the game and this was more than enough for crafty lefty.
Brault was dominating the Grizzly hitters with his arsenal of pitches today. The southpaw pitched effortlessly in his six innings of work as he didn't allow a single run. On the day, Brault gave up five hits, struck out six and walked one. He was able to retire batters in a variety of ways as he improves to 5-2 with today's win. Billinger and Brault led the way offensively. Billinger went 3-4 with a double and two RBIs and Brault went 2-4 with three RBIs. Jon Shoutta also picked up his first homerun of the season as he sent a ball flying into souvenir city early in the ball game.
The second game did not go as planned as the defense was unable to hold off two big innings from Adams State. Regis struck first in the second inning by putting up two runs. Tony Schicktanz doubled to left scoring Jon Shoutta and then Bob Terry put on his PF Fliers and tripled to the left center gap to score Schicktanz.
The Grizzlies answered with four runs in the top of the 3rd as this was the first of their two big innings. Starter Kirby Schwein was roughed up as he struggled with his control and left balls over the plate. Drew Wells came up with the big hit in the inning as he doubled down the right field line with the bases loaded and picked up two RBIs.
After scratching one run in the 3rd, Regis was able to take the lead in the 4th inning. After John Tosches reached on a throwing error by the third basemen, Tony Schicktanz was able to single to the short stop advancing the tying run to third base. Bob Terry sent one deep to right field scoring Tosches on a sacrifice fly. A botched pickoff attempt at first enabled Schicktanz to advance to third. Nick Billinger then picked up the RBI on a sacrifice fly to left field. The Rangers regained the lead and Tony Piazza added to it in the 5th inning with a solo bomb to the left field parking lot.
The momentum was short lived as the Grizzlies had another big inning in the 6th. The Rangers committed two crucial errors to load the bases. Zach Moldenhauer pinch hit for the Grizzlies and drilled a ball to center field. He reached on a single but an error by Bob Terry cleared the bases and put Moldenhauer on third. Drew Wold then singled to score Moldenhauer and seal the deal for the Grizzlies. The Adams State bullpen closed the door for the team and wrapped up an 8-6 victory.
Regis (18-11, 13-10 RMAC) will look to split the series against Adams State (9-27, 8-17 RMAC) tomorrow with the first pitch scheduled at noon.
