LUBBOCK, Texas (February 4, 2016) – Adams State University jumped out to a 5-0 lead but Lubbock Christian University answered with a late offensive surge to upset the Grizzlies' bid for a win in their 2016 season opener.
With a 7-run seventh, LCU (1-0) seized all momentum en route to a 12-7 victory over ASU (0-1).
All signs pointed to a great outing for ASU with five runs in the top of the second. In the frame
Marco Garmendia put the Grizzlies on the board with a RBI single, scoring
Deven Nelson.
Evan Weidner and
Tyler Thurston both followed by grabbing a RBI single of their own.
Chris Morley also provided a RBI via a bases-loaded walk to bring Garmendia around home plate.
Lubbock Christian added a pair of runs in the third and another in the fifth before the Grizzlies tacked on two more runs in the top of the sixth. With two outs in the sixth, Morley stepped into the batter's box and came through with a two RBI triple to left center. The timely hit scored Weidner and
Michael Downs to push ASU out to a 7-3 lead.
After that the Grizzlies fell silent as Lubbock Christian rattled ASU pitchers
Josh Keaton and
Dylan Sherry in the seventh inning. For the frame, LCU sent 11 batters to the plate resulting in a staggering seven runs and six hits. The Grizzlies made matters worse with a pair of wild pitches that brought in two of LCU's seven runs.
In the eighth and ninth, only one Grizzly runner advanced into scoring position to halt any signs of a comeback.
All seven of ASU's hits on the day came during the second and sixth innings.
In the opener, Morley went 1-for-3 with 3 RBI as Downs added a 2-for-4 performance at the plate while scoring twice.
Bailey Garcia grabbed the start, pitching five innings while allowing seven hits and three runs. Keaton (0-1) was credited with the loss with 1.2 innings of work. Keaton relieved Bailey to start the sixth but gave up five runs on three hits during his short outing.
The Grizzlies are back in action tomorrow at 2pm MT for their second game of a three game series versus Lubbock Christian.
