Box Score Grand Junction, Colo.: (By Wes Keelan) After a disappointing loss last night the Rangers split today's double header with two big innings. The defense struggled to keep the Mavs off the board in game one and the offense was able to get the sticks going in game two.
Steven Brault was on the bump for the Rangers in the first game. Through three innings Brault was in control as he allowed three hits and zero runs while the offense held on to an early 2-0 lead. Things changed quickly for the Rangers in the 4th as Brault gave up three hits and two walks. With the bases loaded and Regis up 2-1, Demello shot one to right field picking up two RBIs and taking the lead for Colorado Mesa.
Brault gave up three more runs in the next two innings and finished the ballgame with six innings pitched while giving up six runs, ten hits, five Ks and three walks. Brault didn't have much support from the Ranger offense. Regis had zero extra base hits and could not find a way on against Williams who struck out seven and allowed only five hits. Jon Shoutta and Ryan Eustice both went 1-2 with an RBI, but that was about it for the offense. Brault falls to 6-3 on the year and Regis picks up their 14th loss this season.
Not all was lost on the day as Regis came out swinging in game two. The Rangers drilled six hits and picked up four runs in the first inning. After back to back lead off singles to start the inning, Brault was able to score Nick Billinger and advance Cody Hastings with a single to left field. Shoutta then singled up the middle to set the table for Tony Schicktanz. Schick singled through the right side bringing home two runs. Ty Overboe followed with a single to left bringing home Shoutta and Regis had knocked out the starting pitcher after just one out in the first inning.
Regis came out strong in the second inning as well with three runs and four hits. Tony Piazza split the left center gap to bring home Billinger and pick up the Rangers first extra-base hit of the day. A pair of singles by Shoutta and Overboe brought home two more Rangers to lead 7-3 after two innings.
Kirby Schwein and a solid defense kept the Mavs from scoring. Although Schwein gave up 14 hits, he only allowed four runs in his complete game performance. Much of his help came from the infield as the defense was able to roll three double plays in key situations. With the Mavs down 8-3 in the 7th, Schwein was able to get Corwin to ground into a tailor-made 6-4-3 double play to prevent a rally. Schwein picks up his 9th win of the season to remain atop the RMAC wins column. With the double header split, the Rangers improve to 22-15 and 18-13 in RMAC play.
Regis will finish the series against Colorado Mesa University (36-7, 30-3 RMAC) tomorrow with the first pitch scheduled for noon.
