Pack explodes for 24 runs, claims split from Mines

CSU-Pueblo 24, Colorado Mines 5

GOLDEN - It was just what the doctor ordered.

In a season defined by struggles and inconsistency, the Pack put it all together Sunday, exploding for 24 runs, defeating Colorado Mines 24-5 and solidifying their claim to the sixth and final playoff spot in the race for the RMAC Tournament.

The Pack's win gives the ThunderWolves a split of the four-game series with Mines, and may be just enough to keep the Pack ahead of New Mexico Highlands for the final RMAC playoff spot with one weekend remaining in the season.

The star of the day was without a doubt Rutger Bovard.  The Pack's junior centerfielder had the finest day of his career, launching long balls not once, but twice, and recording 7 RBI.  Four of his RBI came in a seventh inning grand slam, giving the ThunderWolves a ridiculous 19-5 lead that was later extended to the final 24-5 margin.

Bovard went 4-for-7, scoring four runs, as well.

Oddly enough, the Pack didn't even score the first runs of the game.  The Orediggers scored once in the first inning, benefitting from two Pack errors and two hits given up by the ThunderWolves' starter, Mario Mattivi.  But after Mines scored their first run, giving them runners on first and second with two outs, Mattivi responded with a huge strike out, stranding the Mines' runners on base and setting the stage for a recurring theme of stranded runners for the Orediggers.

Mines got 14 hits, and benefitted from five Pack errors, as well, but stranded 14 runners on base.  Mattivi had an up and down day, but tightened up when it counted, only logging three earned runs in six innings of work, earning his team-high seventh win of the season and third in his past four appearances.

Overall, the Pack's 24-run game, its highest output since scoring 24 against St. Cloud State in March 2006, provides a great deal of confidence to a team looking to get into the playoffs with just one series remaining in the regular season schedule.  That series, a four-game set with Regis next week that includes the team's annual "Pack the Park" night on Friday for the second game of the series, will determine the Pack's playoff fate - or lack thereof.