GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (May 13, 2016) – An emotionally fueled game ended on a sour note for Adams State University on Friday afternoon against Colorado School of Mines.

After a five-run eighth from ASU to take their first lead of the game, the Orediggers answered with five runs in the bottom of the ninth to escape with a 9-8 victory and end the 2016 season for the Grizzlies.

For the second game in a row, the Adams State offense started sluggish. It wasn't until a Deven Nelson RBI groundout in the fifth did Adams State register their first run of the game. Evan Weidner followed with a RBI single in the sixth to cut the Orediggers' lead to 4-2.

For Adams State fans the top of the eighth will be remembered fondly as the Grizzlies took their first lead of the game with five runs off three hits. With the bases juiced a Zach Moldenhauer RBI sacrifice fly to right field began the run production. Two batters later Thomaslee Mares brought in another run with a RBI single to knot the game up at 4-4. However, the shining moment of the frame came from Tyler Thurston's three RBI double that emptied the bases and gave ASU a 7-4 lead.

The three-run lead vanished in the bottom of the ninth as the Orediggers tallied five runs off five hits. The frame began with Benjamin Nutsch on the mound but the senior was pulled after loading the bases. Daniel Brown came on in relief but the Orediggers hit their stride and tagged Brown for two runs that ultimately tied the game at 8-8. With the game now tied Mason Munford entered the game but his outing was shortened as the Orediggers grabbed the game-winning run to end the game.

After a silent start, the Grizzly bats totaled 12 hits led by a 3-for-5 day from Weidner. The junior was responsible for two runs and a RBI. Thurston finished 2-for-4 with three RBI in his final collegiate game as Mares was responsible for two hits, two runs, and a RBI.

Pitcher Bailey Garcia received the starting nod from head coach Jim Capra and lasted 5.2 innings on the mound. Garcia pulled through with a solid outing but was hindered by allowing three Oredigger home runs. Garcia gave up four runs off five hits while striking out four.

The 2016 campaign ended with 22 total wins and 18 conference wins for Adams State. The team success translated into four student-athletes earning All-RMAC honors. The defeat brought an end to the collegiate careers of 15 seniors who helped set the foundation for the program when it returned as a varsity program four years ago.