Box Score Denver, CO.: (By Wes Keelan) The Regis Rangers took on New Mexico Highlands today in the final game of the four-game set and couldn't match the play of the Cowboys falling 12-6.
Starter Nick Capra appeared to be cruising through the first few innings despite walking four batters and giving up one run. Early in the game, the Rangers seemed to be in control as they were first to strike by plating two runs in the second inning. Ty Overboe led off the inning with a double that was lined to the right field gap. Logan Knox was able to score Overboe from second after a single to right field. Jesse Porras then hit a double to move Knox to third and Nick Billinger brought him home with a single to the right side. The Rangers were efficiently moving runners over and driving the ball in the gaps. Even as the game progressed, the Regis offense was still able to exchange blows as both teams went back and forth scoring runs.
New Mexico Highlands began taking advantage of the Rangers bullpen in the final three innings. Regis was leading 5-4 going into the 7th inning. Jordan Blaylock came in to relieve Kevin Ross after Ross had given up three runs in his three innings of work. The NMHU hitters were locked in on all the relievers but touched up Blaylock for three runs in his 2/3 of an inning appearance. The Cowboys were able to do what the Rangers could not. They strung together hits late in the game to move runners around and score runs.
Despite the three runs in the 7th, the Rangers were still in the ballgame after they scored one run in the bottom of the inning. Back to back singles from Steven Brault and Ty Overboe to lead off the inning followed by a RBI fielder's choice from Jon Shoutta kept the Rangers in the game. Unfortunately the offense couldn't take advantage of the opportunity. The next two batters were retired leaving Overboe stranded on the bases. Total, the Regis offense left nine runners on the base paths which hurt them when it mattered.
New Mexico Highlands finally pulled away with the ballgame in the final two innings as they scored two runs in the 8th and three runs in the 9th inning. Mike Bazuin went deep in the 9th inning to add to the lead. Jordan Blaylock picked up his second loss of the season and is now 0-2. Logan Knox and Cody Hastings had standout performances from the offensive side of the game as they both went 2-4 on the day.
The Rangers (17-9, 12-8 RMAC) will return home Friday, April 12 to take on Adams State at 3 PM.
