LCU scored in the opening with an RBI-single from Brandon Rix for a 1-0 lead, but LCU would go their next 14 hitters without a hit against left-handed starter Zach Hoffman. Then in the sixth innings, with the score tied 1-1, LCU’s bats came alive. Jaime Bustamante and Rix led off with singles and Ryan Rogers hit a two-run double down the left field line. LCU was able to load the bases for Chase Simmons, who hit a two run single. Simmons eventually got thrown out caught stealing, but he was abe to get Rogers home during the run-down. LCU scored five runs off five hits in the inning. In the seventh inning, Logan Nethercot, Tony Reyes and Brent Stewart each doubled, and Simmons closed out the five-run seventh with a two-out RBI single to activate the run rule.
Daniel Crooks started on the mound for LCU and went six innings, allowing one run off four hits. Brent Bezio pitched a scoreless inning of relief and struck out a pair of batters. Crooks was credited with the win and improved to 3-1. Hoffman suffered the loss (0-1), as his starting debut lasted 5.1 innings and he allowed three runs off four hits. He was the first of six pitchers, as the five relievers that followed combined for 1.1 innings and allowed eight runs off seven hits.
Rix (2-for-2), Reyes (2-for-4) and Simmons (2-for-4) led LCU at the plate, with Simmons leading the team with three RBI. Gilbert Sauceda and Brandon Castaneda (two doubles) each went 2-for-3 for the ThunderWolves.
LCU has won two straight games and improved to 10-6 overall, while CSU-P fell to 6-8. The Chaparrals remain home and will host West Texas A&M Tuesday at 5 p.m.
INSIDE THE NUMBER
0-for-12 | Sunday, CSU-P was 0-for-12 with runners on base, 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and 0-for-7 in two-out at-bats.
.370 | LCU hit .370 with runners in scoring position in the series, as they had 17 hits in the scenario. Brandon Rix and Tony Reyes combined to go 7-for-11 in the series with runners in scoring position. LCU was 8-of-12 Sunday with runners in scoring position.
.545 | Brandon Rix led LCU with a .545 batting average (6-for-11) in the series.
.643 | Brandon Castaneda went 9-for-14 against LCU in the series for CSU-Pueblo.
4-4 | Each team is 4-4 in the all-time series.
6 | Ryan Rogers led LCU in the series with six RBI.
7 | Tony Reyes led LCU in the series with seven hits.
11-4 | LCU had an 11-4 advantage in the four-game series in extra-base hits.
20-9 | CSU-P’s pitchers walked 20 batters, compared to LCU walking nine.
(Courtesy LCU Sports Information Department)
