Pack swept out of Kearney

Nebraska-Kearney 8, CSU-Pueblo 5 (continuation of suspended game Sat.)
Nebraska-Kearney 9, CSU-Pueblo 5

KEARNEY, Neb. - CSU-Pueblo squandered a golden opportunity to secure the RMAC Plains Division title Sunday at Nebraska-Kearney as the Lopers completed a three-game sweep of the ThunderWolves.

CSU-Pueblo allowed two runs in the continuation of Saturday's game suspended by rain in the eighth inning, falling 8-5 before losing 9-5 in the third and final game of the series.

The losses all but sink the Pack's chances at the RMAC Plains Division title, as CSU-Pueblo trails Nebraska-Kearney by 2-1/2 games with three games remaining.  One Kearney win or one CSU-Pueblo loss hands the Lopers the division.

In all three games this weekend, the ThunderWolves led before losing the lead to Nebraska-Kearney.  In the final game of the series Sunday, CSU-Pueblo held a 2-0 lead before the Lopers took the lead and never lost it again.

The loss also likely sinks the Pack's chances at an at-large berth to the NCAA Division II   National Tournament.  CSU-Pueblo entered the week outside of the top eight ranked teams in the Central Region, needing to make it to the top six to earn an at-large berth.  The three-game sweep only further sinks the Pack's chances.

The ThunderWolves' only option will be to win the RMAC Tournament for the second consecutive season, claiming the RMAC's automatic berth.  However, this season's tournament will be held in Kearney, and the ThunderWolves will likely open against the Lopers on their home field if the standings remain how they are currently.  Kearney would have the RMAC's two-seed as the Plains Division champion, with CSU-Pueblo holding the five seed. 

The ThunderWolves' final series of the season will be at Colorado Mines, who has already been eliminated from the RMAC Playoff picture.