LAKEWOOD, CO – It has been so long since the Cougars played, they made sure opening day in 2021 took a bit longer than expected.
Colorado Christian played the longest game, in terms of innings, in school history to highlight an opening day split against Northern Colorado.
GAME ONE – Colorado Christian 9, Northern Colorado 8 (15 Innings)
One out away from an enjoying a season opening win, the Cougars had to wait another few innings before savoring the victory.
Despite falling behind 4-1, the Cougars put together a four-run fourth inning to grab a 5-4 edge. Northern Colorado tied the score with a single run in the fifth inning before Colorado Christian put themselves in great position for the win with a three-run seventh inning. A Sam Gallegos inside-the-park homerun highlight the late inning scoring spurt.
However, the Bears forced extra innings when Josh Glenn hit a three-run double to right centerfield with two outs in the ninth frame. In the 11th inning each team had runners in scoring position but couldn't scrape a run across the plate. Northern Colorado had another opportunity in the 13th inning but the game continued into the 14th frame.
The winning run came as Colorado Christian had two outs without a runner on-base. Wyatt Crenshaw singled through the right side then scored from first base when Blake Mattey looped a base knock to leftfield which was mishandled then the ball thrown from the outfield went to no mans land which allowed Crenshaw to score the winning run.
Crenshaw had the best day at the plate for the Cougars with four hits, two runs scored and a pair of RBIs. Jordan Medina added a three base knock performance for the home team.
On the mound five different hurlers took to the bump for the Cougars. Starter Kyler Riordan went six innings with five strikeouts. Jarrod Rivera and JC Watne threw all six of the extra innings with Watne earning the win after two innings of work.
GAME TWO – Northern Colorado 5, Colorado Christian 1 (5 Innings)
Scheduled for seven innings, the game was cut short because of darkness.
Crenshaw hit his first collegiate homerun with a first inning smash to rightfield to open the game's scoring. However, the Bears responded by scoring a runs in the final three innings to grab the victory.
Northern Colorado starter pitcher Sam Leach struck out five and allowed only that Crenshaw homerun.
UP NEXT: The two teams play another doubleheader on Sunday with first pitch of the opener scheduled for 11 a.m.
