Softball | 3/29/2017 1:14:00 PM

ALAMOSA, Colo. (March 29, 2017) – The Adams State University softball team will host the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers in a four-game series April 2^nd and 3^rd as they conclude their longest home stand of the season. The two teams will play doubleheaders on both Sunday and Monday at the ASU softball field. Sunday's game times are 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm while Monday's games will start at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Last Time Out
The Grizzlies are coming off a four-game weekend series against Fort Lewis College in which ASU won the first three games. The first game was an offensive showing for the Grizzlies as they scored two runs in the bottom of the first.  The first run crossed the plate when Gabrielle Griego, who was batting with the bases loaded, reached on a fielder's choice and an error was charged to the Skyhawk catcher. Whitney Fields then scored an RBI single to push Mackenzie Villarreal across the plate. Tyler Hays had an RBI double in the second pushing Paige Reichmuth across the plate. Hanna Witjes followed with a double of her own in the third inning to score Griego. The fourth inning saw Villarreal nail a two run home run before Fields had another RBI to make th score 7-1. With the Grizzlies needing just one run to get the eight run-rule in effect, they did just that as Marissa Harmon hit a solid two run single that scored Hays and Reichmuth.

In the second game, the Grizzlies struck for eight runs in the first three innings but as luck would have it, they were narrowly able to escape with an 8-7 run win. The Grizzlies scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning including a grand slam by Cheyenne Hamilton after Harmon hit a single to left field. The home run was the first of the season for Hamilton. She then had another RBI in the third inning as she doubled to right center to score Harmon before Alexandria Quintana nailed a 2-run homer to score Hamilton. The defense had to old on in order to secure the 1-run victory. The first game on Sunday started with the two teams trading runs in the first inning. The Grizzlies scored their first run on a foul out by Marissa Harmon to get Hays across the plate for an unearned run. The Grizzlies then took their first lead of the game in the bottom of the second as Reichmuth earned an RBI when Hamilton scored the second unearned run of the game. The Skyhawks regained the lead in the top of the third inning with three runs on two hits and two errors. The Grizzlies crawled back within one on another unearned run before the Skyhawks scored two in the top of the fifth to take a 6-3 lead. Adams State was able to rally in the bottom of the sixth inning as they loaded the bases and ran the carousal around for the three runs to score. After a scoreless seventh inning, the Skyhawks threatened first with a 1-out triple by Kellsi Peterson. After a strikeout by Lauren Murphy, a walk followed by a solid single to right field allowed a run to come across and gave Fort Lewis a 7-6 lead. Adams State was able to get a runner to third base with two outs before a walk to Harmon. Finally with a 3-2 count, Gabrielle Griego found the pitch she wanted and laced a walk-off 2-run double to right center to give the Grizzlies the 8-7 win in eight innings.
 
In the second game, the two teams were held scoresless in the first two inning but the third was explosive. Fort Lewis scored four runs including a 2-run single and a 2-run home run to left field to land the first blow. The Grizzlies rallied in the bottom of the inning and loaded the bases with no outs. Two quick outs made lifted the Skyhawks' hopes but a Harmon walk and a hit by pitch on April Riggins cut the lead in half before the third out was recorded. After a scoreless fourth inning, the Skyhawks erupted for seven runs on five hits and five Grizzly errors to take an 11-2 lead. The game appeared as if it was going to be a shortened five-inning game but with two strong hits by Adams State, they were able to keep the game alive with four runs. The runs came off 2-run doubles from Katelyn Johnson and Taylor Roberts. Neither team would cross the plate again, however, and the final score was 11-6.

Scouting The Orediggers
Colorado School of Mines enters this weekend's action with an overall record of 17-9 while holding a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference record of 14-6. The Orediggers  are coming into this weekend's action having lost their last four outings in a home series against Colorado Mesa University. The 2017 squad features just one senior leading a group which includes six freshmen and seven sophomores. Freshman Clara Larson leads the offense with a .382 batting average. Sophomore Katie Leiker is close behind with a .377 average at the plate. The Orediggers boast a pitching staff with a combined 2.91 ERA and is led by Junior Hallie Smith with a 2.81 ERA. Her record on the season is 7-2.

Scouting The Grizzlies
Adams State enters play this weekend with a season record of 10-20, 9-11 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. The Grizzlies enter the series coming off last weekend's series against Fort Lewis College in which ASU won three of the four games.  Adams' offense is led by Sophomore Tyler Hays with a .489 batting average followed closely by Senior Jasmine Pemble with a .409 average. The Grizzlies pitching staff is led by Senior Lauren Murphy's 6.16 ERA. Junior Madisen Vrabel is close by with a 6.23 ERA. Adams State has compiled a 6-2 record when playing at home this season.

Last Time We Met
This will be the only regular season meeting between these two teams. Over the past three seasons Adams State has a record of 4-2 against Colorado School of Mines. The Grizzlies have won the last four meetings between the two teams including a pair in Alamosa during the 2015 season.

Conference Glance
RMAC                        Overall
MSU Denver                         18-2                26-9               
Colorado Mesa                     17-2                24-4               
Colorado Mines                  14-6                17-9   
Chadron State                      12-7                15-15             
Colorado Christian              10-6                20-12             
Regis                                      11-9                19-17             
CSU-Pueblo                         9-11                12-16             
Adams State                        9-11                10-20             
New Mexico Highlands      7-13                10-23             
UCCS                                     4-16                5-20               
Fort Lewis                              3-17                4-25               
Black Hills State                   1-15                3-21
 
Looking Ahead
Following this weekend's four game series, the Grizzlies have a weekend series at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs on April 8^th and 9^th.
 
Stay Connected
For any updates regarding Adams State athletics stay connected with www.asugrizzlies.com! Updates are also available through the Grizzlies official Twitter (@ASUGrizzlies) and Facebook (/TheAsuGrizzlies) accounts.
 
Team Posters
Fans, team posters are available online at www.asugrizzlies.com. Navigate to the 'Fan Zone' at the top of the ASU home page to find our 'Team Posters' link. Team posters will be updated and added over the course of the year. Hard copies of posters are also available at the ASU athletic office.