Colorado Christian wrapped up their series against Fort Hays State on Sunday, and notched a convincing win by a final score of 12-7. The offense came alive in the finale, as they finished the game with a season high 12 runs, and 16 hits.
 
The Cougs wasted little time jumping out to a substantial lead as they tallied seven runs in the first inning. CCU batted around in the inning, and forced Fort Hays to go to their bullpen early after their starter was only able to record one out. Austin Maltby, Luke Bote, and Brandon Hesselberg each had one RBI in the inning, while Cooper Gray dealt the biggest blow with a two RBI single.
 
The Tigers offense had a brief response in their half of the first inning, as they were able to get one run back. After one inning of play the Cougs had a 7-1 lead. Dillon Mctague joined the party in the second inning as his RBI single scored Jerry Gallegos to give CCU an 8-1 advantage.
 
However, Fort Hays State got themselves back into the game in the second and third innings, scoring three runs in each inning to cut the Christian lead down to just one at 8-7. Austin Maltby quieted the Tigers rally in the top of the 4^th inning as he belted a solo homerun deep to left field which gave CCU a two run advantage 9-7. Austin Maltby provided more insurance in the eighth inning as he had another RBI single, then Jerry Gallegos doubled in two more in the ninth to pad the CCU lead to 12-7.
 
That was all the offensive support that the talented Cougar relieving core needed. Owen Harris came on to relieve CCU starter Michael Cantrell and earned the victory in the game as he lasted 2 2/3^rd innings allowing just three hits and no runs. Alex Ginn was next up out of the pen and was brilliant, pitching three innings, allowing three hits, no runs, and struck out six Tigers on the day. Jarrod Rivera kept his shutout streak alive, as he worked a clean ninth inning to seal the Cougar victory.
 
Austin Maltby finished the game 3-6 with a homerun, three RBI, and two runs scored. Jerry Gallegos also finished 3-6 in the game with three doubles, two runs scored, two RBI and he also stole two bases. Brandon Hesselberg was the ultimate leadoff hitter as he did a great job setting the table going 2-2 with one RBI, and also drew three walks. Dillon Mctague and Mikale Doherty each finished the game 2-5. Cooper Gray went 2-4 with two RBI, and Gray showed off his speed as he stole four bases on the day.
 
The impressive victory improves the Cougars record to 4-7 on the year. CCU will continue their road trip next weekend in Goodwell, OK as they have a three game series with Oklahoma Panhandle University. Colorado Christian will play a double header on Friday Feb. 24^th, with the first game beginning at 11AM MST.