ALAMOSA, Colo. – The Regis University baseball team (10-7, 2-4 RMAC) outscored Adams State University (0-14, 0-1 RMAC) 8-3 in the first game of a four-game series on Friday afternoon.
How It Happened: Regis had a chance to score multiple runs in the first inning after their first three batters were all walked, loading the bases with zero outs. Unfortunately for the Rangers, they were only able to scoot one runner across home-plate, taking a 1-0 lead after a half inning of play. Senior
Garrett Skillings was given the RBI as he reached first base on a fielders' choice while sophomore
Coby Zimmerman came around to score.
RU put together three hits in the top of the third and extended their lead to 2-0. Senior
Andrew Bryniarski recorded the second hit of the inning, resulting in an RBI-single that scored freshman
Marcus Salvato who reached base as the lead-off batter. Junior
Connor Rochon added a double to center-field in the same inning.
Adams State University tied the ballgame with two runs on two hits and two walks in the bottom of the third. After their runs came across, they still had zero outs and bases loaded, and were threatening to take the lead. Thankfully for Regis, they were able to turn a 4-6-3 double-play to get out of the jam before the Grizzlies took the lead.
The Rangers stretched their lead to 4-2 after scoring a single run in the fourth and fifth inning. Sophomore
Ryan Tierney was dealt a walk and stole second base to start the fourth inning. He tagged up and advanced to third base on a shot to deep left field by Zimmerman. Salvato followed-up with an infield RBI-single to the shortstop, scoring Tierney and giving RU a 3-2 lead.
Senior
Zach Dedin knocked in Bryniarski with an RBI-double to left center in the fifth inning. Regis scored their next run on a solo homerun off the bat of Rochon in the seventh inning.
The Grizzlies scored a run in the bottom of the seventh, making the score 5-3, but the Rangers were able to extend their lead to 7-3 with two runs in the eighth. Tierney lead-off with a solo-shot over the fence and senior
Chris Kobar scored on a wild-pitch.
RU added another run in the top of the ninth. Tierney and Zimmerman were both awarded first base after being hit by a pitch. The bases were loaded when Zimmerman was hit, allowing Rochon to score and increase the Regis lead to 8-3.
The Rangers wrapped-up the game with a 6-3 double-play to secure an 8-3 victory.
Game Notes: Tierney went a perfect 3-3 from the plate, adding a homerun and an RBI. Salvato (2-5, 1 RBI), Bryniarski (2-4, 1 RBI), Rochon (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 2B) and Dedin (2-5, 1 RBI, 1 2B) all provided multiple hits while the team collected 13 as a unit.
Senior
Brad Thoutt (4-1) earned the win after pitching 6.2 innings and allowing just three runs on six hits. He retired four Grizzly batters on strikes while dealing just two walks. Junior
Matt Heibult closed the final 2.1 innings without allowing a run or a hit.
Up Next for the Rangers: The Regis University baseball team will play a double-header against Adams State University tomorrow, March 10. The first pitch is set for 11 a.m.
