Pueblo, Colorado - New Mexico Highlands carried a lead into the middle innings, but a late rally from CSU Pueblo proved decisive as the ThunderWolves pulled away for a 6-2 win Friday evening at Runyon Field in the opening game of a four-game Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference series.
With the loss, the Cowboys fall to 6-29 overall and 1-16 in RMAC play, while CSU Pueblo improves to 15-19 overall and 7-10 in the conference.
New Mexico Highlands struck first in the top of the third inning to take a 2-0 advantage.
Adrian Castenada reached base and
Johnathan Davis followed to set the table before
Ryan Rodriguez delivered a clutch single to left field, driving in both runners for the Cowboys.
Starting pitcher
Andrew Baltazar turned in a strong effort early, keeping the ThunderWolves off the scoreboard through the first four innings. The right-hander worked out of multiple jams and limited CSU Pueblo to just one run through six innings.
CSU Pueblo broke through in the fifth inning to cut the deficit to 2-1. The ThunderWolves then scored three runs in the seventh, using a three-run triple to deep center field to take a 4-2 lead.
CSU Pueblo then added insurance in the eighth inning, scoring twice to extend the lead to 6-2 and put the game out of reach.
Baltazar (1-6) took the loss despite logging 7.0 innings, allowing six runs on four hits while striking out three.
Cadin Gates provided a scoreless inning of relief, striking out two.
At the plate, Rodriguez led the Cowboys with two RBI, while Castenada, Davis,
Jeremiah D'Arezzo, Isaac McNair-Seigler, and
Nico Hilger each recorded a hit as New Mexico Highlands totaled six on the night.
New Mexico Highlands and CSU Pueblo will continue the series with a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
