The NCAA Central Baseball Regional Tournament started today in Farmington, NM and is being hosted by New Mexico Highlands University, The City of Farmington and Ricketts Park. All of the participating teams have each played in the first round and will continue play tomorrow.
The tournament started with the #2 Minnesota State Mavericks vs. the #5 University of Nebraska- Kearney Lopers. The Mavericks came away with the win with a final score of 6-1. Jared Loschen was on the mound for the Lopers and earned the loss. On the mound for the Mavericks was Bret Mitchell who earned the win and is now 10-3 on the season. Patrick Oliver was a standout for the Lopers as he went 3 for 4 at the plate. Matt Kuchenbecker went 3 for 4 at the plate for the Mavericks.
Game two saw the #3 Mesa State Mavericks vs. the #4 Winona State Warriors. The Mavericks earned the win with a final score of 12-8. Evan Behr earned the loss on the mound for the Warriors with Jack Amidei earning the win on the mound. Amidei is now 2-1 on the season. Going 3 for 4 at the plate with two runs and three RBIs, Seth McMullen led theWarriors' efforts. Leading the Mavericks was Kevin Becker who went 3 for 4 with three runs and two RBIs.
Taking to the field for the night cap were the #1 New Mexico Highlands University Cowboys vs. the #6 St. Cloud State Huskies. The Huskies took the Cowboys with a score of 11-2. David Daminsky was on the mound for the Huskies and earned the win.
Drew Vassil earned the loss on the mound for the Cowboys. Jordan Smith helped the Huskies to their victory as he went 4 for 5 at the mound, scoring two runs and bringing in four RBIs.
Christian Garcia went 2 for 4 for the Cowboys and scored one run on two hits with one RBI.
The New Mexico Highlands Cowboys will now play the University of Nebraska- Kearney Lopers tomorrow at 11:00 am. The St. Cloud State Huskies and the Winona State Warriors will meet up at 3:00 pm, and the Minnesota State Mavericks will take on the Mesa State Mavericks at the night cap at 7:00 pm.
