PUEBLO, Colo. – The Regis University Baseball team began their weekend series with Colorado State University-Pueblo on Friday afternoon, but lost the series opener, 10-6. The Rangers fall to 17-10 (8-2 RMAC), while the Thunderwolves improve to 12-11 (2-3 RMAC).

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Rangers started the game strong, as Adam Paniagua recorded a two-out double, then was brought home by an Ethan Wood single in the top of the first. However, Regis stranded three runners in the top of the second, and CSUP capitalized in the bottom of the second with two runs scored on three hits.

Paniagua, who leads all of NCAA DII in home runs and RBIs, added to his totals in the top of the third, launching a lead-off solo shot to tie the game at 2-2. Pueblo took back the advantage in the bottom of the frame with a three-run home run.

Following a scoreless fourth inning, the Thunderwolves used two more hits and a sacrifice fly to extend their lead to 9-2 in the fifth. They were able to load the bases in the sixth, but Daniel Strohm got the Rangers out of the pinch. In the top of the eighth inning, the Rangers began to put together a comeback bid, as Clayton Conn singled to bring home Tanner Rice and CJ Difiglia. Paniagua recorded an RBI walk, and Wood scored Conn with a single to bring the score to 6-9.

However, the Thunderwolves were able to hold onto the lead, adding an insurance run in the eighth with an RBI double, and, after two Rangers reached bases, posted three straight outs for the 10-6 win.

GAME NOTES

·        Paniagua and Wood both had two hits and batted in two runs. Paniagua also scored two runs

·        Five other Rangers had one hit

·        Elijah Borjas went 4-5 with four RBIs

·        Stephen Moraski (0-2) recorded the loss, while Travis Farrell (5-1) earned the win, and Jack Novak (3) posted a save

UP NEXT

The Rangers and Thunderwolves continue their series on Saturday, March 22 with a doubleheader starting at 12:00 PM.