Pack takes four from Regis, extends win streak to 6

Game 1: CSU-Pueblo 13, Regis 8
Game 2: CSU-Pueblo 10, Regis 3

PUEBLO, Colo. - Riding stellar efforts from its relief pitching, CSU-Pueblo completed its first season sweep of Regis since 2005 when it scored 13-8 and 10-3 wins over the Rangers at Rawlings Field Sunday.

The ThunderWolves improved to 12-4 with the wins and extending their winning streak to six games.

CSU-Pueblo shook off a shaky outing in game one from Nick Balentine (Sr., Newark, Calif.), watching as an 8-0 lead disintegrated to 8-6 on a grand slam by Regis' J.T. Putt, only to pass to game on to relief pitching and holding the Rangers at bay.  

Nate Perlitsh (Jr., Thousand Oaks, Calif.) was awarded the win after holding the Rangers to one run in 1-2/3 innings, stopping their rally bid, passing the game on to Kevin McDonald (Jr., Northglenn, Colo.), who allowed one run in 2-2/3 innings before Wes Oliver (Jr., Ridgecrest, Calif.) closed the deal with a perfect ninth inning.

But the game one win was keyed by a pouncing Pack offense, which delivered needed insurance in a dangerous game.  Juan Martinez (Jr., Caraciao, Venezuela) recorded 2 RBI in the final four innings of game one, part of his 3-RBI day in a 3-for-4 effort.

The second game was a masterpiece on the hill, thanks largely to closer Jesus Hernandez (Sr., Tucson, Ariz.), who converted the rare three-inning save, mowing down five of the nine batters he faced on strikeouts, and allowing just one hit.  Scott Harshman (Sr., Pueblo, Colo.) ran his 2009 record to 3-1 after allowing two hits over four innings.

Also of notable mention is the performance of designated hitter Jason Fobes (Sr., Longmont, Colo.), who continued to ride a hot streak as he went 3-for-4 over the two games, drawing two walks and knocking in three runs.  After a 1-for-11 start to the season, Fobes is now hitting a team-best .529, and went 7-for-10 in the weekend series vs. Regis.

CSU-Pueblo's win puts them in control in the RMAC, lifting their RMAC mark to a perfect 4-0 heading into the closing series of their home stand next weekend when it hosts two-time defending RMAC champion, Nebraska-Kearney, for a four-game set at Rawlings Field.  The action begins 3 p.m. Friday.