CCU baseball remained hot on Thursday afternoon, as they returned home to begin their series with CSU-Pueblo. The Cougs took a one run lead in the bottom of the eighth, and shut down CSUP in the ninth to secure their 14^th victory on the season by a final score of 8-7. This marks the 10^th game in a row that the Cougars have scored at least eight runs in the game.
 
CCU had a tough task in front of them, as CSU-Pueblo was throwing their ace Kyle Lazcano. Lazcano was just named the RMAC Pitcher of the Week, as well as the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association South Central Region Pitcher of the Week for his efforts last weekend. Christian was not fazed by the accolades, as they looked to remain in the hunt for the RMAC playoffs.
 
After a scoreless first inning, CCU jumped out in front in the bottom of the second. Kaleb Johnson ripped a double to right centerfield, which allowed Luke Bote to come around to score to give the Cougs a 1-0 lead. However, the Thunder Wolves answered in the third inning by scoring on a sacrifice fly to even the score 1-1.
 
It was a roller coaster ride for the remaining six innings. The Cougs snagged the lead in the bottom of the third inning, tallying a trio of runs, which was capped off by an Austin Maltby RBI single to score Alex Ginn. With a 4-1 lead, CCU starter Evan Fink was cruising through the CSUP lineup, keeping the Pack off the scoreboard until the sixth inning. Fink ran into trouble in the sixth, and at the end of the inning, the Cougar lead was gone and the score was tied again 4-4.
 
Colorado Christian wasted little time in getting the lead back, as they jumped back in front in the bottom of the seventh. Alex Ginn drew a bases loaded walk to score Bryce Brenton, then Austin Maltby delivered again as his single through the left side scored two to give CCU the 7-4 lead. CSUP once again was able to tie the game up after they scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning.
 
Heading into the bottom of the eighth, the Cougs were looking to get back in front. After two quick outs, CCU caught a break as an error allowed Cooper Gray to reach second base. After an intentional walk to Jerry Gallegos, Scotty Wright followed with a walk to load the bases. Once again the Cougs caught a break, and this time it gave them the lead for good. Prior to delivering a pitch to the plate, the CSU-Pueblo pitcher flinched, and a balk was called which allowed Cooper Gray to score the go ahead run.
 
Jarrod Rivera, who came in and collected the final out in the eighth inning, remained on the mound to pitch the ninth. Rivera made quick work of the CSUP lineup, as he worked a perfect 1-2-3 inning while striking out the final two batters of the game. Rivera was rewarded for another stellar outing by collecting his first collegiate win. His record now sits at 1-2 on the year.
 
Austin Maltby was the leader on offense, finishing the game 3-4 with three RBI. Cooper Gray also had a good day at the plate, going 2-4 with a double, two runs scored and collected one RBI.
 
The Cougars will be back in action on Friday for doubleheader action with CSU-Pueblo. Both games will take place at All Star Park in Lakewood. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 12PM MST.