ThunderWolves continue stumble vs. Kearney

Game 1: Nebraska-Kearney 4, CSU-Pueblo 3
Game 2: Nebraska-Kearney 8, CSU-Pueblo 2

KEARNEY, Neb. - Needing just one win to clinch the RMAC Plains Division title, CSU-Pueblo couldn't seize opportunities as Nebraska-Kearney swept Saturday's doubleheader, putting the ThunderWolves in danger of being swept from the weekend's four-game set.

CSU-Pueblo lost 4-3 in game one on a 7th-inning RBI-single, and dropped the late game 8-2 after the Lopers put an eight on starting pitcher Dustin Timmins (Sr., Alamosa, Colo.) in the second inning.

After a reasonably strong outing by game one starter Dillon Meaney (Jr., Westminster, Colo.), who only allowed six hits through 5-1/3 innings, leaving the game with the score tied at three, a lone wild pitch in the 7th inning by Jesus Hernandez (Sr., Tucson, Ariz.) was enough to give the Lopers a chance for late rally.

The ThunderWolves' losses drops them to 32-17 overall and 21-13 in RMAC play.  With five games remaining, CSU-Pueblo holds a 4-1/2 game lead over Nebraska-Kearney in the Plains Division standings. 

The ThunderWolves also are playing with fire, as their three losses to Kearney has them in danger of falling out of the top six in the Central Region rankings.  The top six ranked teams earn a regional bid, and if CSU-Pueblo is outside of the top six, they will be forced to win the RMAC Tournament to earn a bid to the Regional Tournament.

CSU-Pueblo will attempt to salvage the series when the two teams showdown in the series finale Sunday.