Alamosa, Colorado — In Saturday's doubleheader of a four-game series against Metro State, Adams State split the doubleheader, bringing the series score to 2-1 in favor of Metro State. The final scores were 11-4 for Metro and 8-7 for Adams. The doubleheader split leaves Adams State with a record of 12-21 (8-7 RMAC).
Metro State 11, Adams State 4
In game one of the doubleheader, the Grizzlies jumped out early, taking a quick 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning after a solo home run by Josh Parks to right center and an RBI sac fly by Gunner Martinez that scored Christian Altamirano. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, this was all they could muster against Metro starter Webber, who went on to pitch four more innings of shutout baseball after allowing the two runs in the second. Webber finished with a solid line of six innings, six hits allowed, two runs, two walks, and three strikeouts.
On the mound for the Grizzlies was Brian Walters, who pitched extremely well initially, tossing two scoreless innings before surrendering one run in the third and four in the fourth inning before being pulled. Walters completed 3 ⅔ innings, allowing four hits, five runs, three walks, two hit batters, and recording four strikeouts. The key issue for Walters was the free passes, as he allowed five, which helped the Metro State offense get rolling in the third and fourth innings. Walters took the loss in today's game, bringing his season record to 3-4.
Offensively, the Grizzlies faced challenges in the first game, collecting only eight hits and 11 baserunners compared to Metro State's 11 hits and 18 baserunners. For the Grizzlies, Christian Altamirano had two hits, Gunner Martinez added one hit along with an RBI from his sac fly, and Braden Watkins recorded a hit, which was a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh, cutting the Grizzlies' deficit to 11-4 before Metro State closed out the game.
The difference in today's game was Metro State's ability to have big innings, as they recorded a four-run and a five-run inning, giving them the upper hand. Metro State also hit four home runs, providing the spark they needed to secure the win in game one.
Adams State 8, Metro State 7
In game two of the doubleheader, the Grizzlies again jumped to a quick 2-0 lead after Christian Altamirano hit a two-run single up the middle, scoring both Ayden Tauscher and Braden Watkins. Adams State extended their lead after Metro State scored one run in the top of the second, contributing a four-run inning that gave them a swift 6-1 lead after the second inning. In the second inning, Braden Watkins led with a two-run home run to right center, while Josh Parks contributed with a two-run single down the left-field line.
The 6-1 lead allowed Connor Murray to find his rhythm on the mound for the Grizzlies, as he pitched five strong innings against a potent Metro State offense. Murray's final line for the game included five innings pitched, eight hits allowed, four runs (three earned), five walks, one hit batter, and three strikeouts. After Murray finished the fifth inning, Phil Carter took the mound in the sixth and allowed three runs on two home runs by Velders and Yuran for Metro State, giving them a late 7-6 lead going into the bottom of the sixth inning.
Although Metro State took the lead in the sixth, the Grizzlies immediately responded with a home run of their own by Josiah Hall. Hall launched a slider deep to left center, scoring Seth Reker and giving Adams State a late 8-7 lead, allowing Ty Addington to come in as the Grizzly closer and secure his fourth save of the year.
Addington entered the game after the Grizzlies took the late lead and shut the door, retiring the side in order in the top of the seventh while collecting two strikeouts. Adding this save for him, he is now one short of the current Adams State saves record of five, which he holds. Addington will have 18 more games this year to hopefully break his own record and establish a new Adams State saves record. Carter got the win for the Grizzlies, improving his record to 3-4 for the season.
Next Up
Looking ahead to tomorrow, the Grizzlies will conclude their four-game series with Metro State in a nine-inning game here in Alamosa, Colorado. The final game of the series is scheduled for noon MST and will determine whether the Grizzlies can secure a series split with Metro State.
