Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 Las Vegas, New Mexico- Regis Baseball dropped the first game in a four game series with New Mexico Highlands yesterday afternoon. Head into the ninth inning, the Rangers and the Cowboys were knotted up at 10 apiece. Regis couldn't manage a run in the top of the inning and allowed Highlands' E.J. Stanton to cross home for the game-winning run due to a fielding error.
While the Rangers were able to score the first run of the game in the top of the 1st, it was the Cowboys that were able to an offensive rhythm early on. Highlands answered Regis' one run in the first with three of their own with their turn at the plate. By then end of the third inning, the Cowboys had extended their lead to 7-1.
The Rangers surged back in the top of the fourth. Freshman catcher Christian Bitar's single drove-in junior right fielder C.J. McGrady and freshman first baseman Andrew Bryniarski. Later in the inning, with two outs registered, junior shortstop Drew LaComb singled up the middle bringing in both junior second baseman Marco Burciaga and Bitar. LaComb crossed home off of a double from senior third baseman Logan Knox to cap the scoring for the Rangers in the fourth. The Cowboys only managed one run in the second half of the inning to hold a two run advantage, 8-6.
In the top of the fifth, the Rangers were able to inch even a bit closer to catch the Cowboys. Bitar's homer to left field scored three for Regis with McGrady and junior center fielder Weston Byers on base. Highlands were still able to keep their lead with two runs in the bottom of the fifth. Finally, in the top of the seventh, Regis tied up the game at 10.
The Rangers offense was stifled in the eighth and ninth inning striking three straight in each offensive attempt. Highlands took advantage of the opportunity given to them to win in the bottom of the ninth.
Bitar led the Rangers offensively scoring twice and registering five RBIs on just 2-4 from the plate. LaComb was also extremely effective offensively hitting 4-5, scoring twice and driving in two RBIs. Six Rangers in total scored on the day. Junior reliever Casey Kennedy was handed the loss, his second of the year. Kennedy worked three innings only allowing two hits and one run.
The Rangers face-off with the Cowboys again today in a double-header; games are set for noon and 3 pm at Brandt Park.
