CCU began their final series of the regular season on Friday afternoon as they took on New Mexico Highlands University in Lakewood. The Cougs seized control early on, and held the lead up until the final three outs, but the Cowboys scored five in the last inning to win the game by a final score of 12-10.
 
The game started out strong for the Cougars after CCU's starting pitcher Joey Loranger retired the side in order in the first. The Cougar offense then jumped to an early lead as they sent 8 batters to the plate and scored five runs in the first inning. The big blow was dealt by Austin Maltby who drove a double deep to left center which cleared the bases scoring three runs.
 
The Cowboys attempted to get back in the game in the third running, scoring two runs on four hits. Scotty Wright led off the CCU third inning with a triple, and was eventually brought in by Austin Maltby with a homerun to increase the Cougs lead 7-2. 
 
The Cowboys remained close in the fourth inning as they brought in another two runs to make the score 7-4. The Cougs responded as Dakota Bayles was able to score from third off of a wild pitch, followed by a Scotty Wright single which brought in two runs to make the score 10-4.  
 
The Cowboys came back again after Cody Simmons hit his second home run of the day in the top of the 6^th inning, making the score 10-6. They continued to inch back in the 7^th, scoring one run and shortening the Cougar lead to 3. Jarrod Rivera came in to pitch in the top of the 7^th to relieve Joey Loranger. Rivera was able to hold the Cowboys scoreless during his time on the mound, working 1 1/3^rd innings allowing two hits, no runs, and struck out two.
 
With a 10-7 lead going into the ninth inning, CCU handed the ball to their closer Scotty Wright who came in looking for his fourth save of the season. Wright struggled with command, hitting the first two batters of the inning, then walking the third to load up the bases. Christian brought in Owen Harris to replace Scotty Wright in the 9^th inning, but the momentum was shifted towards the visitor's side. When all was said and done, NMHU had stunned the Cougs scoring five runs to give them a 12-10 lead.
 
CCU was unable to mount a rally in the bottom of the ninth, as they went on to lose the series opener 12-10.
 
Austin Maltby provided the offensive firepower in today's game, as he went 3-5 with a homerun, two doubles, two runs scored and collected five RBI. It was his fourth homerun of the season, and now has 16 doubles. Scotty Wright also had a good game offensively going 3-5 with a triple, two runs, and three RBI.
 
 
The Cougars continue the series tomorrow with a double header at 12 and 3 at All Star Park in Lakewood, CO.