ALAMOSA, Colorado — During a Friday afternoon game against Colorado Christian University, the Grizzlies dropped the series opening game by a final score of 13-9. The loss drops the Grizzlies to a record of 7-16(2-3 RMAC) as they look forward to the rest of the weekend series against CCU with three games to go.
In today's game, CCU jumped out to a quick lead on the Grizzlies as they opened up with 6 runs in the first two innings before the Grizzlies were able to get anything going. For CCU, they scored 1 in the first and 5 in the second before the Grizzlies were able to respond by scoring runs in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th innings to tie the game at 6. Moving past the 6th inning is when CCU was unfortunately able to take control of the game. Scoring 5 runs in the 7th inning which gave them a 11-6 lead. After the top of the 7th inning the Grizzlies were able to respond with runs in the 7th, 8th, and 9th but CCU added two more in the ninth and the Grizzlies only scored one each in those three innings leaving the Grizzlies still down 13-9 when the final out of the game was recorded.
On the mound for the Grizzlies starting the game was Freshman Osaias Hinojosa. Today's start on the mound was Hinojosa's first of the year and he did not disappoint as he threw extremely well. Hinojosa finished throwing 6 innings, allowing 6 runs(2 earned), while collecting 8 strikeouts. Following Hinojosa was Justin Arellano, CJ Pino, Cain Gostenik, and Ethan Bertke. For the Grizzly bullpen, they struggled as they threw the final 3 innings, allowing 7 hits, and 7 runs(6 earned). The struggles by the Grizzlies bullpen stumped the Grizzlies comeback after they were able to tie the game in the 6th.
Offensively for the Grizzlies, they swung it extremely well as they collected 16 hits, walked 3 times, and were hit once for a total of 20 base runners. Leading the way for the Grizzlies was Christian Altamirano, Ayden Tauscher, Hinojosa, Isaiah Pruitt, and Austin Yi. All five of these individuals collected 2 or more hits, collecting 13 of the Grizzlies 16 total hits. Looking at each individually, Hinojosa had the most impactful day as he finished 4 for 5 with a home run and 3 RBIs. Following the lead of Hinojosa was Altamirano who finished 3 for 5; Tauscher and Pruitt who both finished 2 for 5; and Yi who finished 2 for 3 with a walk. For Pruitt, he finished the day with a double and a home run as he and Hinojosa led the Grizzlies with their two home runs.
Overall for the Grizzlies the final deciding factor in today's game was the final three innings of the ball game. In the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings, the Grizzlies were outscored 7-3 leading to their 13-9 loss. With the game being tied going into the 7th inning, the team with the most momentum in those final innings pulled the game out and unfortunately in today's series opener that was CCU. The Grizzlies had their moments and will look to have even more moments tomorrow as they will look to respond and win two games in tomorrow's doubleheader.
For tomorrow, the Grizzlies first game of the doubleheader against CCU will begin at 11 AM MST. The second game will follow 30 minutes following the finish of game one. The Grizzlies games will again be here in Alamosa, Colorado at the home ballpark of the Adams State Grizzlies. Come out and support as the Grizzlies will look to take two games giving them a great opportunity to win the weekend series.
