March 7, 2008

Pack bats marshal a hit parade, rout Mines 18-5

The ThunderWolves' bats revved up to full speed Friday, logging 21 hits in an 18-5 rout of Colorado Mines Friday afternoon.

The ThunderWolves opened up a 7-0 lead, led off by a first-inning solo shot by outfielder Jon Proesl, that opened up the flood gates for the Pack. The ThunderWolves were only held scoreless in two of eight innings Friday, putting up five in the first inning and a six-spot in the sixth.

"Our guys had a good approach at the plate and stayed inside the ball real well," Pack coach Stan Sanchez said. "All the guys had great at-bats, top to bottom."

While the bats exploded, former Pueblo South High School standout, Mario Mattivi, excelled in his first start in the ThunderWolf uniform. Mattivi, who was undefeated as a prep at South and a participant in the youth "Dirtbag" camps at CSU-Pueblo as a youngster, put together a strong showing. He pitched seven strong innings, only allowing six hits and two earned runs, not walking a single batter.

Mattivi was given the much sought-after Friday start after consistent pitching out of the pen as of late.

"Mario was very good," Sanchez said. "He stepped up today and threw real well. He deserved that start with all his good pitching out of the pen, and he showed why he was given the Friday start. He was an old 'Dirtbag' kid of ours, and it's really neat to see a local kid come here and do well."

The ThunderWolves' win marks the 28th straight time they've defeated Mines. The Pack hasn't lost to Mines since 2002, and will look to keep that streak alive with a Saturday doubleheader starting at noon.