PUEBLO, Colo. - The Colorado State University-Pueblo scored a 10-1 win in the first contest of a four-game series with the Northwest Missouri State University baseball squad at Rawlings Field
CSU Pueblo's offense recorded 14 hits, including a home run, while the Bearcats managed five hits and one run. CSU Pueblo is 5-0, while Northwest is 5-4.
CSU Pueblo established an early lead in the first inning, scoring three runs. Two of these came from a single by Dax Howard that drove in Jeremiah Sanchez and Tyler Clementz, while George Andrews scored on a sacrifice bunt by Jason Arriola.
In the third inning, CSU Pueblo extended its lead with two additional runs. Arriola hit a double down the right field line, allowing Clementz and Andrews to cross the plate. This made the score CSU Pueblo 5, the Bearcats 0 after the third inning.
By the fourth inning, CSU Pueblo continued to add to its total with a three-run frame. A single by Clementz brought in Sanchez, and a two-run homer by Andrews increased the lead further. After four innings, CSU Pueblo led 8-0.
The Bearcats managed to break through in the seventh inning.
Chester Brooks walked, and
Jordi Ventura followed with a single to left center.
Sam Dinkelman then singled up the middle, allowing Brooks to score. This put the Bearcats on the board but left the score CSU Pueblo 10, the Bearcats 1 after the seventh inning.
The Bearcats' pitching staff faced challenges against the ThunderWolves.
Leonardo May started and allowed one earned run on one hit without recording an out, facing just one batter.
Brock Steggall entered in relief and pitched 3 2/3 innings, giving up seven runs on eight hits while striking out two.
Dylan McIntyre contributed one inning, surrendering two runs on four hits while striking out one.
Tyson Hilsabeck provided a brief but effective outing, striking out one in 1/3 of an inning without allowing a hit.
Jeremy Evangelista and
Graden Hammond combined for three innings of relief, with Evangelista delivering two scoreless innings and striking out two, while Hammond completed the game with a hitless inning, despite issuing a walk and a hit-by-pitch.
Dinkelman recorded one hit and drove in a run during his three plate appearances, contributing in key offensive situations.
Jeremiah Cabuyaban collected two hits in four at-bats, showing consistency at the plate. Evangelista pitched two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit while striking out two batters. Hilsabeck struck out the only batter he faced, delivering a decisive performance in his brief appearance on the mound.
Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face the ThunderWolves at 2 p.m. CT Saturday, Feb. 14, in Pueblo, Colorado.
