After a few weather issues caused delays to this weekend's series against New Mexico Highlands University, the Cougar baseball team finally got a pair of games in on a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon. The teams split the first days games with CCU taking game one by a score of 6-5, and NMHU earning the win in the second game by a score of 6-9.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
 
Game One: CCU 6 – NMHU 5
 
The Cougars and Cowboys traded the lead a few times throughout game one, but the Cowboys made it a very interesting game late as they scored a pair of runs in the top of the 9th inning to tie the game up at five all. In the bottom half of the frame, needing just one run to take the win in the series opener, the Cougars were methodical in their approach. Connor Marshall got things rolling with a leadoff single to left center and was immediately advanced on a Joel Manzano sacrifice bunt. Frankie Shearn III attempted the same sac bunt but a bad throw from the NMHU pitcher allowed him to reach safely, advancing Marshall to third. Without wasting any time Shearn climbed on his horse and stole second in the blur. With one out and an empty first base, Heath Hays was intentionally walked to create a force out situation at every bag.
 
With the bases loaded and one out, shortstop Matt Kimura stepped into the batter's box with a chance to end the game with a hit anywhere in the outfield or even a walk. Eventually Kimura worked a full count and on the sixth pitch of the at bat sent a high pop up into foul territory. The hit was shallow enough to where the Cowboys third baseman gave chase, and deep enough to force the left fielder to attempt the same play. The two met forcefully just outside of the home team's bullpen and somehow, despite the violent crash of two grown men running into each other at full speed, the third baseman hung onto the catch for the out. Understanding the situation, Marshall who was still standing on third but now with two outs, tagged up and slid home safely to score the winning run.
 
The two NMHU players that collided would both walk off the field under their own power, were cleared to play, and each started the second game.
 
Game Two: CCU 6 – NMHU 9
 
After being held to an 0-5 performance in game one, Auggie Francis from NMHU, who came into the series with an RMAC leading batting average of .440, took the very first pitch of game two deep for a homerun. The Cowboys would eventually build up a 9-3 lead by the middle of the 5th inning and while the Cougars would tack on another three runs before the end of the game, there was little doubt as to what the outcome of the game would be.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORES:
 
Head coach Gregg Mucerino put his faith in a handful of first year Cougars today and was rewarded for his trust. Transfer sophomore Drew Kennedy and freshman Tommy Orr combined to go 8-14 with Kennedy chipping in two runs, three RBI's, and a pair of doubles. Freshman Frankie Shearn III got a piece of the action as well, scoring a run a swiping his fourth base in as many attempts. Defensively, Cameron Manzaneras got the start at catcher for the second game and caught a great game, allowing no passed balls and keeping a handful of potential wild pitches, and free extra bases for NMHU, in front of him.

While Alex Ginn did the bulk of the work in game one, pitching eight strong innings, striking out five Cowboys and allowing just three earned runs on 124 pitches, it was Kyler Riordan who got the win after closing out the game.
 
WHAT IS NEXT:
 
Due to the inclement weather from earlier in the week, the series will be wrapped up during a rare Monday doubleheader at All Star Park. The first game will be nine innings and is scheduled for an 11:00 am first pitch. The second game is tentatively scheduled for a 2:00 pm start and will be just seven innings.