The last game against Western Nebraska got intense with some extracurricular activities. This game would prove to be just as exciting, but it was all because of the baseball this time.
On Wednesday against Northeastern Junior College the Rams once again in walk-off fashion. This time it came from a pinch-hit single from Mike Roberts. With two outs and runners on first and second, Roberts came to the plate for the first time in the game, and he came through for CSU in a big way.
While this wasn't the hardest ball that Roberts has hit so far this year, it may have been the most important. Off the bat it seemed as though the center fielder may have had a play on the ball, but his effort was for not and the ball fell in front of him.
Outfielder Matt Kurtz who reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on a balk came racing home to score the game-winning run.
The Rams didn't play their best game of the year, but they found a way to win. CSU scored their four runs on four hits by capitalizing on mistakes by Northeastern. One offensive bright-spot of the game came from fifth-year senior Wes Castle. He hit his first home run of the year on a shot to deep left-center.
The CSU pitching wasn't what it has been for much of the year, but they found a way to get out of most of the jams that they found themselves in. Hunter Haggerty started the game and didn't have the command of his off-speed that he is used to. He did manage to throw the first two innings without giving up a run, and it looked to be a good rehab start for him in preparing to return to the Rams' starting rotation.
Jared Osif followed Haggerty and threw three very solid innings for the Rams. Jared gave up zero runs on the day. Senior Cooper Liggett came on to throw the 6th and 7th innings, and he didn't quite have his best stuff that day. Liggett allowed one run in his two innings of work.
Junior Nick Childs followed Ligget and like Haggerty didn't have control of his off-speed. Childs hit three Northeastern batters, all of which were on curve balls. Without recording an out, Childs was replaced by Kyle Swets.
Swets got out of the mess that Childs left him with the game tied at three. Swets again was very clutch for the Rams. He allowed no runs in the three innings that he threw and was able to escape two jams with minimal damage. Roberts' walk-off single gave both CSU and Swets their second win on the week.
After two exciting walk-off wins, the Rams traveled to Greeley to take on rival, University of Colorado. This was the first conference games that the Rams played, and they started off very well.
In the first game, the expected pitchers duel between CSU's Bobby Moller and CU's Patrick Darrow turned into a CSU rout. The Rams scored early and didn't let up after that. CSU went on to win game number one 14-4 in just five innings.
Game two did go all seven innings, but it wasn't very close either. Wes Jeanette started on the mound for the Rams and went five strong innings, and Kyle Swets threw the last two. The Rams won the game 9-3. CU scored their only runs on a three-run home run from their shortstop.
Eric Zaruba had a great weekend going six for seven and was the spark for the CSU offense all day.
After a great weekend, CSU set out to prepare for their spring break trip to Arizona. They practiced Tuesday then traveled to the frozen tundra of Sterling, Colorado to take on Northeastern Colorado. It turned into another exciting game.
The Rams were in control for most of the game, and they took a three to one lead into the ninth inning. Junior Nick Childs came on for the save. After a defensive miscue due to the strong winds and a walk, Kyle Swets replaced Childs.
Northeastern scored the two runs that they needed, so the Rams went to extra innings once again. CSU scored in the tenth on a double down the first-base line by outfielder Matt Kurtz, and Swets got through the tenth unscathed.
The Rams who are now 16-3 will head to Arizona for a week full of baseball and fun in the sun. With temperatures expected to be in 80s all week long, it is sure to be a good time for CSU.
Today, Saturday, March 14th the Rams take on Chandler-Gilbert Community College in a double-header. Chandler Gilbert is currently ranked eighth in the nation at the junior college level. Then on Sunday the Rams play Arizona State University who is ranked 6th in the latest NCBA poll.
After ASU the Rams travel to Prescott, AZ to play a double-header against Yavapai College who is ranked 18th in the preseason junior college poll. CSU will get two days off and then take on Glendale Community College. Glendale is currently ranked 12th.
Stay tuned; I will be updating the blog after each day that the Rams play to keep everyone up to speed on how CSU's trip to beautiful Phoenix, Arizona.
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