DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University baseball team (8-7, 2-3 RMAC) returned to the field on Friday afternoon beating the Adams State University Grizzlies (6-9, 0-1 RMAC) 4-3 on a wild pitch in the bottom of the tenth inning.

How it Happened: Senior Josh Newell was the first baserunner for Regis as he got aboard on a hit by pitch. A walk to the next batter brought junior Andrew Bryniarski to the plate who roped a single to left field bringing Newell in to score the first run of the game and giving RU a 1-0 lead in the first.
In the third inning, Adams State had a two-out rally that ended with them scoring two runs, on two doubles, to take a 2-1 lead.

The home squad had the bases loaded with only one out in the bottom of the third, but they were only able to score one run on a wild pitch from the Grizzlies pitcher, knotting the game at two runs apiece.

In the top of the fourth, the leadoff batter for Adams State lined a shot up the middle, hitting senior Brad Thoutt in the foot and shin area. The batter reached the base safely, but Thoutt was forced out of the game, as he could not push off the mound using his leg.

Freshman Patrick Kenny took over on the mound, and quickly got out of the fourth. Neither team scored any runs from the fifth to the seventh innings, but Regis broke the tie in the bottom of the eighth as Newell laid down a bunt that was misplayed by the first baseman, allowing senior Max Fabricant to score from second base, giving the Rangers a 3-2 lead.

The Grizzlies knotted the game up in the top of the ninth as a double to left field brought in a runner from second base. The teams headed into extra innings, and in the bottom of the tenth, RU began to threaten.

A leadoff walk to Fabricant gave way to a sacrifice bunt from freshman Ryan Tierney. Adams State then chose to intentionally walk Newell. A lineout to center made the second out of the inning, bringing junior Andrew Bryniarski to the plate. Fabricant stole third base as the catcher had a difficult time finding the ball beneath him, and on the very next pitch, the pitch squirted away from the catcher and Fabricant slid in under the tag for the game-winning run, 4-3.

Game Notes: Four players had hits on the day for Regis including Bryniarski (1-4, RBI), Fabricant (1-3), sophomore Logan Heflebower (1-4), and pinch-hitter Zach Dedin (1-1). Freshman Patrick Kenny came on in relief for the injured Thoutt, throwing five spectacular innings, striking out seven batters, and holding the visitors scoreless. Senior Adam Montano (W, 1-1) picked up the win, pitching the final two innings, giving up two hits and one earned run.

Up Next for the Rangers: The teams will continue their series with two games tomorrow scheduled for 11 am and 2 pm with the series finale on Sunday at noon.