The Mavericks finished the series with Regis University (RU) only dropping one of their final three games against the Rangers.
After Thursday’s 11-5 win, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) and RU split Friday’s doubleheader. The Mavericks pitching staff struggled in game two and the Rangers took advantage as they scored seven runs in the first two innings of the game.
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Cooper Vasquez gave up two home runs in the first inning and six runs total in his shortest showing of the season as he went one and one third innings.
The Mavericks had to use two of their more consistent arms in junior right-handed pitcher Gage Edwards and senior left-handed pitcher Austin Lorenz to try to limit the damage in the middle innings but the pitching struggles continued.
CMU tried to make a comeback in the fourth as they scored five runs closing the gap to be 6-9. Senior infielder Spencer Bramwell scored on a wild pitch while sophomore infielder Stevenson Reynolds was up at the plate. Senior outfielder Johnny Carr then reached on a fielder’s choice that allowed junior outfielder Conrad Villafuerte to score, Reynolds was out at third on the play.
Senior infielder Chase Hamilton then hit a three run home run allowing Carr and sophomore Harrison Rodgers to score.
The Mavericks comeback was cut short as the Rangers had a five run top of the fifth.
CMU was down 8-18 going into their final at bats as they were able to score three more runs. Villafuerte doubled to left field that allowed Bramwell and Farmer to score. Reynolds then singled, scoring Villafuerte but those were the only runs CMU was able to score.
The Mavericks defense was on point even throughout the loss, Bramwell was able to throw a runner out at home to Farmer at the plate on a relay throw that helped CMU get out of an inning.
“It was nice to get some reps at third and become more comfortable over there. It’s fun playing aggressive teams because they force you to test yourself and make plays under pressure,” Bramwell said.
Before the loss, the Mavericks got their second win of the series with junior right-handed pitcher Blake Rohm on the mound. Rohm threw five solid innings with five strikeouts while only giving up two hits and one run.
The bullpen could not keep up with the pace of the game that Rohm had shown as they allowed four runs.
Farmer put his team in front of the Rangers in the third as he hit a three run home run scoring junior designated hitter Haydn McGeary and Rodgers.
Making it back-to-back home runs was Bramwell who hit one to left field making it a 5-1 game.
Hamilton then started the Mavericks fourth inning rally with an RBI double scoring Rodgers. On a dropped fly ball to the Rangers right fielder Farmer reached base and Hamilton scored on the error.
Then on a hit and run play, junior outfielder Julian Boyd stole second and Farmer was able to score on the throw to second. With Boyd now in scoring position, senior infielder Jordan Stubbings singled down the right field line that allowed Boyd to score. The Mavericks kept stringing hits together to extend their lead as Carr singled, scoring Stubbings.
The Rangers attempted a comeback in the late innings but fell short.
On Saturday, CMU had a bullpen day as senior right-handed pitcher Frankie Fitzgerald got the start and pitched two dominant innings. This was Fitzgerald’s first appearance since Mar. 13 at Colorado School of Mines. It was also his first start of the season.
Junior left-handed pitcher Ryan Day came in for five and two third innings as he got the win for the Mavericks. Senior right-handed pitcher Dave Henderson closed out the game for the Mavericks helping them secure the 10-5 win.
Offensively, CMU found their bats again after struggling to get something consistently going on Friday afternoon.
Bramwell was able to not hit one but two home runs against Dylan De Leon. His first home run was a three run home run in the first inning and then a solo homerun in the third. The infielder went 2-5 with four RBIs.
“I was hunting fastballs up in the zone to do damage. My approach was to stay short through the ball and hit line drives into the gaps. I trusted my hands and was able to hit balls on either side of the plate,” Bramwell.
A dropped ball in right field allowed Boyd to score. Boyd was able to get his bat going in the middle of the Mavericks order as he went 3-4. He led the Mavericks in hits on the day.
Stubbings and McGeary also hit home runs for the Mavericks as they extended their lead throughout the game.
CMU took the series 3-1 against the Rangers and allowed them to reclaim the number one spot in the conference standings. Metro State University- Denver climbed up to the second spot as RU falls to third
The Mavericks will travel to Las Vegas, N.M., as they take on New Mexico Highlands University as they are in the hunt for a spot in the conference tournament. The series will begin on April 22 and go through April 24. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.
