ALAMOSA, Colo. (May 5, 2016) – Thanks to nine runs in the seventh inning, Adams State University distanced themselves from Colorado State University-Pueblo on Friday for a 16-7 win.

All signs pointed to a seesaw battle between the two RMAC foes until the Grizzlies (22-24, 18-15 RMAC) erupted for their nine-run frame. In the seventh inning the Grizzlies sent 13 batters to the plate and tallied nine runs off six hits. Chris Morley kick-started the run production with a two RBI home run as Dillon Granzella notched a three RBI homer later in the frame as a pinch hitter. In his second at-bat of the inning, Morley collected a two RBI single as Evan Weidner followed with a RBI single up the middle. Unable to find an answer, the ThunderWolves utilized five pitchers during the frame.  

The robust inning was more than enough to push Adams State into cruise control. Run production continued in the eighth with three more ASU runs.

Morley finished the series opener 3-for-6 with four RBI as Thomaslee Mares went 3-for-5 with three RBI. After his pinch hit homer, Granzella remained in the game as an outfielder and concluded his afternoon 1-for-2 with three RBI. In total, the Grizzlies collected their 16 runs off 15 hits.

With the offense in full motion, the ASU pitching staff held the lead as four pitchers took to the mound. Josh Keaton got the starting nod and was followed by relief appearances from Mason Munford, Bailey Garcia, and Nabeeh Blackburn. Thanks to the big seventh inning, Garcia picked up his team leading seventh win of the season. The sophomore pitched four innings and tallied two strikeouts during his relief appearance.

The two teams return to the diamond tomorrow at 12pm for game two of the series. Fans can follow along with free streaming video and live stats.