Erik Hildebrandt |
This Easter weekend series featured the Adams State Grizzlies (7-32, 4-21 RMAC) and CSU-Pueblo Thunderwolves. (18-20, 13-12 RMAC).
Game One:
After a quick top of the first inning, thanks to pitcher Kolton Bleggi, the Adams State offense started the beginning of the game with the lead. Second baseman Erik Hildebrandt singled to lead off and advanced two bases on wild pitches. Senior first baseman Jared Gay lifted a ball into the outfield to score Hildebrandt on a sacrifice fly. Third baseman Logan Bistrup added another run to the inning by singling in centerfielder Nico Nintze. The Thunderwolves countered with their own offensive production after a solo homerun, a two-run single, and a Grizzlies error to take the lead, 4-2.
The third inning featured a homerun by each team. Nico Nintze continued his incredible season with a moonshot to deep right field. After loading the bases in the fourth inning, the Thunderwolves only managed to bring across one run to increase their lead to three. The fifth inning was an offensive explosion for the Thunderwolves as nine baserunners crossed home plate. The eighth inning was much of the same from the Thunderwolves as they scored nine times as well as hitting their second grand slam of the game. The Grizzlies showed some fight up until the last pitch but it was not enough. The Thunderwolves took game one, 27-8.
Game Two:
After an early run by the Thunderwolves in the first inning, the Grizzlies answered back with another solo shot from Nintze. Left fielder Jake Angelopulos gave Adams State the lead in the second inning with a single up the middle to score Orlando Romero and take the 2-1 lead. After a back and forth battle in the middle innings, the Thunderwolves led the Grizzlies by five runs heading into the sixth inning. After a Hildebrandt RBI single, Bistrup decided to make it a game with a three-run shot to cut the deficit to two runs heading into the final inning. With two runners in scoring position, Angelopulus grounded out to the first baseman to bring home a run. With two outs and a runner on third, Cameron Brosh played hero by singling to right field to tie the game after pinch inning. After the Thunderwolves loaded the bases to begin extra innings, the Grizzlies maneuvered their way out of serious danger allowing only one run. Their final three outs came with the top of the order to follow. Hildebrandt popped out to begin the frame. Bistrup chopped a ball past a diving defender to get into scoring position. The Thunderwolves then intentionally walked the dangerous Nintze to get to the Grizzlies cleanup hitter, Jared Gay. Gay went on to crush a slider over the batter’s eye and send the Grizzlies home with the victory.
Game Three:
The second game of the doubleheader featured a high-scoring affair in favor of the Thunderwolves. After getting off to another 11-5 lead thanks to multiple homeruns, the Grizzlies staged for another comeback. After two Grizzlies scored in the final inning, Bistrup came up to bat representing the tying run. Unfortunately, Bistrup hit the ball too hard right at the Thunderwolves’ third baseman to end the game. Logan Bistrup had two hits, and two RBI in the game, Billy Ryan and Dakota Solis also both contributed two hits as well. Troy Gutbub started the game and pitched 4.0 innings with two strikeouts and only two walks. David Maldonado pitched 3.0 innings, with three strikeouts and only three hits allowed with one walk.
Game Four:
After a six-run second inning by the Thunderwolves, the Grizzlies notched their first two runs of the game with a triple and sacrifice fly. The Thunderwolves bats’ remained hot after a few homeruns and key hits with runners on. During the sixth inning, the Thunderwolves scored their eleventh run of the game. A few more homeruns put the Grizzlies away with a 13-5 finish in favor of the Thunderwolves.
The Grizzlies will travel to Denver, Colo. to take on the Regis Rangers in a four-game set this weekend.
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