The Cowboys (29-11, 22-9 RMAC) used six pitchers to earn two wins (5-1, 15-13) against RMAC foes Regis University (20-20, 15-16 RMAC) on Saturday 4/21 at Brandt Field.
Matt Gualco improved to 5-1 in his complete game in the first half of the double header. Gualco's outing included striking out six Rangers and walking two. Gualco also made an appearance in the second game as a pinch hitter against the submarine-style pitcher Hunter Aronson.
Erik Scott knocked in three of his teammates and crossed the plate four times in his five appearances at the plate.
Luis Saenz added to his amazing Cowboy prowess with clutch defense in the outfield and strong offense, hitting 4-for-8 with four RBI's.
The Cowboys who scored in four out of the seven innings controlled the first game heavily. Highlands started off the first inning capitalizing on a Ranger error that advanced
Erik Scott to scoring position. Scott crossed the plate finally after
Luis Saenz reached on a fielder's choice. Saenz was the next 'Poke to score when
Josh McMahon singled to the right side.
Defensively, Highlands gave up six hits and one earned run in the first game with zero errors.
Game two was a defensive nightmare for Highlands but the bats were alive early and often for the home team. Regis notched an eight run second inning to take a momentum gaining 9-5 lead. The Cowboys strung together 15 runs on 17 hits and two errors.
The Rangers started the game with a solo homerun in the first inning but
Josh McMahon went yard into the Gallinas River with
AJ Alexander on base. Regis took a 13-7 lead going into the fifth inning but Highlands proved to be a successful team with their drive and determination heading into the final three innings.
Highlands' fifth inning was the momentum swing they needed to win the game.
Thomas King and
Jordan Falcon both reached but were brought home when
Erik Scott sent a ball over the left field fence in the next at bat. Regis changed pitchers but that would not smother the Cowboys bats.
Head Coach
Steve Jones offense was too much for the Rangers' defense in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Cowboys scored five runs on four hits. Coach Jones pinch-hit left-handed hitters to go against the Regis right-handed submarine pitcher. Gualco made a cameo plate appearance, which was the spark plug the offense needed. Highlands played small ball by loading the bases and conservatively moved base runners until
AJ Alexander doubled to right center that cleared the bases. Alexander crossed the plate on a double steal with
Josh McMahon who distracted the defense.
The Cowboys finish the series at noon on 4/22 at Brandt Field.
View game one stats
HERE.
View game two stats
HERE.
GO COWBOYS!!!
