Background

MINES BASEBALL TOPS NEBRASKA-KEARNEY, 13-4

GOLDEN, Colo. -- The Colorado Mines baseball squad scored five runs in both the seventh and eighth innings to claim a 13-4 victory over Nebraska-Kearney in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action Sunday afternoon at the Digger Dome. The game was the season finale for both teams.

UNK scored single runs in the first and second innings to take the early lead, but CSM plated three in the second to gain a one-run advantage (3-2). Senior leftfielder Jordan Rudel (Fort Morgan, Colo./Fort Morgan) delivered the big blow with a two-run single.

The Lopers (19-34, 7-21 RMAC) managed to knot the game at 3-3 on a fourth inning homer by Eric Molina, but the Orediggers would score 10 runs over the seventh and eighth inning to earn the win and a series split with UNK (2-2).

The Orediggers started their rally in the seventh as senior centerfielder Ross Tobin (Susanville, Calif./Lassen) led off with a solo home run, while junior rightfielder Ryan Ishino (Littleton, Colo./Columbine) registered a three-run double.

Ishino finished 2-for-2 with four RBI and two runs, while junior second baseman Tommy Harris (Littleton, Colo./Columbine) went 3-for-3 with two runs. Molina led the Loper offense by going 3-for-4 with three runs and two driven in.

Oredigger senior Ray Surface (Henderson, Colo./Centaurus) picked up the win and improved to 2-6. He fired a complete game, allowing eight hits, three earned runs and struck out one. At one point, Surface retired 14 straight batters. Dallas Jones took the loss for Kearney and slipped to 4-4 this year.

Colorado Mines concluded its season at 13-34 overall and 7-13 in conference play.

-- orediggers --

MINES BASEBALL EARNS SPLIT WITH NEBRASKA-KEARNEY

GOLDEN, Colo. -- The Colorado Mines baseball team split a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference twinbill with Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday afternoon at the Digger Dome. UNK took the opener, 10-9, while the Orediggers claimed a 17-5 victory in the nightcap.

In game two, CSM struck for seven runs in both the second and third innings in cruising to the win. Mines registered four home runs in the game two, including a grand slam from junior designated player Adam Marwitz (Denver, Colo./George Washington) who finished the day a combined 5-for-8 with nine RBI and four runs scored.

Sophomore pitcher Kevin Barrett (Lafayette, Colo./Centaurus) picked up the win in game two, as he allowed five runs on 10 hits over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out seven and improved to 4-6 with the win. Nick Abegglen took the loss for UNK and slipped to 1-6 this season.

In the opener, Kearney overcame a a 8-5 deficit with five runs in the sixth to earn the win. Eric West delivered the game winning runs with a two-run double in the sixth. Greg Richey earned the win as he pitched 2 2/3 innings of relief, allowing one run on three hits. Mines junior Matt Gilbreath (Mead, Colo./Arvada) took the loss and moved to 3-9 on the season.

CSM sophomore third baseman Steven Krier (Sterling, Colo./Sterling) went 5-for-6 with a homer and four runs batted in during the two games today.

Mines and Kearney will conclude their four-game series on Sunday with a single nine-inning game slated to begin at 12:00 pm.

-- orediggers --

CSM BASEBALL FALLS TO KEARNEY, 9-8

GOLDEN, Colo. -- Nebraska-Kearney’s Travis Kerkman hit a two-out, two-run homer to leftfield in the top of the ninth to lead the Lopers to a 9-8 victory over Colorado Mines in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference baseball action Friday afternoon at the Digger Dome.

Mines (11-33, 5-12 RMAC) claimed a quick 3-0 lead as junior designated hitter Adam Marwitz (Denver, Colo./George Washington) belted a three-run homer to leftcenter field. However, UNK rallied to knot the score at 7-7 with a run in the third and two runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth.

CSM senior catcher Mike Schmitz (Aurora, Colo./Overland) then registered a two-out, RBI bloop single to score senior leftfielder Jordan Rudel (Fort Morgan, Colo./Fort Morgan) and give the Orediggers an 8-7 advantge. However, the lead would not hold as Kerkman delivered the first pitch he saw from junior Matt Gilbreath (Mead, Colo./Arvada) over the leftfield fence.

Gilbreath took the loss and slipped to 3-8 this season, while Tyler Bullock picked up the win and moved to 2-0 on the year. Bullock pitched the final three innings, holding Mines to just one hit and no runs.

Marwtiz finished 2-for-3 with four RBI and two runs, while Rudel went 3-for-4 with three runs scored. Kerkman finished the game 2-for-4 with two runs and three RBI, while Josh Krolikowski was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run.

Mines is slated to host Nebraska-Kearney for a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 pm on Saturday.

-- orediggers --

MINES BASEBALL LOSES TO METRO STATE, 16-7

GOLDEN, Colo. -- Metro State pounded out 22 hits and claimed a 16-7 victory over Colorado Mines in a nine inning, non-conference baseball game on Wednesday afternoon at the Digger Dome. The loss dropped Mines to 11-32 overall, while Metro improved to 25-22.

Metro struck for two runs in the top of the first, but CSM senior leftfielder Jordan Rudel (Fort Morgan, Colo./Fort Morgan) delivered a two-run homer to left in the bottom of the first to knot the game. However, the Roadrunners would score two in the third, three in the fourth and two apiece in the fifth and sixth to gain an 11-2 advantage.

Mines would score five in the bottom of the sixth to slice its deficit to 11-7, as senior first baseman Ryan Hessler (Greeley, Colo./Sterling) registered a two-run single and junior rightfielder Ryan Ishino (Littleton, Colo./Columbine) belted a two-run homer to leftcenter.

But CSM would get no closer as Metro plated two more in the seventh and ninth innings and a single tally in the ninth. Mike Sloan picked up the win as he pitched one inning of relief and moved to 1-2 on the season. Sloan was one of six Roadrunner pitchers who helped limit CSM to just seven hits. Mines senior Matt Bird (Greeley, Colo./Valley) took the loss and slipped to 0-2 this season.

On the offensive side, Mines was led by Rudel who went 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI, while Metro was paced by Jared Devine, Clint Cleland and Brian Edwards who combined to go 10-for-18 with eight runs batted in and nine runs scored.

CSM is slated to return to action on Friday afternoon when it hosts Nebraska-Kearney for a 3:00 pm RMAC contest.

-- orediggers --

CSM BASEBALL DROPS TWINBILL AT FORT HAYS

HAYS, Kan. -- The Colorado Mines baseball squad dropped two Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference games at Fort Hays State on Sunday afternoon. The Orediggers lost the opener, 5-2, and fell in the nightcap, 17-1.

In game one, Hays took a 1-0 lead in the third when Jason Nease crossed the plate on a passed ball. However, Mines (11-31, 5-11 RMAC) came back to take a 2-1 lead with a pair of runs in the fifth inning.

After the first two batters recorded outs, CSM used three straight singles, including a RBI from junior shortstop Mike Cerbo (Denver, Colo./South), and an RBI double by senior centerfielder Ross Tobin (Susanville, Calif./Lassen) to gain the lead. But Hays scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth and Landon Harper registered three consecutive outs in the top of the seventh to preserve the win and improve to 7-1 as he pitched a complete game, six-hitter.

Tobin and junior rightfielder Justin Barberio (Fort Collins, Colo./Rocky Mountain) each went 2-for-3, while freshman Vince Ruscetta (Westminster Colo./Standley Lake) took the loss and slipped to 2-8 on the season.

In the finale of the four-game series, CSM jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead as Barberio delivered an RBI single in the first. However, Hays (35-11, 15-8 RMAC) responded with a run in the bottom of the first to tie the game at 1-1 and then scored 16 unanswered runs in claiming the win. The Tigers rapped 28 hits in the game, while four FHSU pitchers held Mines to just four hits.

CSM is slated to return to action on Wednesday afternoon when it hosts Metro State at 4:00 pm for a non-conference game.

-- orediggers --

MINES BASEBALL FALLS TWICE AT FORT HAYS STATE

HAYS, Kan. -- The Colorado Mines baseball team dropped Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference games at Fort Hays State on Saturday afternoon at Larks Park. Hays won the opener, 5-4, and was victorious, 7-1, in the finale.

In game one, Hays jumped out to a 3-0 lead after an inning of play. The first inning was highlighted by a two-run double from Adam Sterling. Mines responded with single runs in the fourth and sixth, while FHSU added a tally in the bottom of the sixth to take a 4-2 lead. However, CSM plated two runs in the seventh on an RBI fielder’s choice by junior shortstop Mike Cerbo (Denver, Colo./South) and an RBI groundout from senior catcher Mike Schmitz (Aurora, Colo./Overland).

However, Chris Steffans of Fort Hays ended the game in the bottom of the eighth with a two-out walk-off home run to right field.

Mines junior second baseman Kevin Baird (LaJunta, Colo./LaJunta) went 3-for-3 with a run scored, while senior rightfielder Jordan Rudel (Fort Morgan, Colo./Fort Morgan) was 1-for-4 with an RBI. Steffans went 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Sterling drove in two runs in the opener.

In game two, Hays (33-11, 13-8 RMAC) broke open a 2-0 lead with five runs in the fifth and cruised to the win. Mines senior centerfielder Ross Tobin (Susanville, Calif./Lassen) and senior first baseman Ryan Hessler (Greeley, Colo./Sterling) each recorded two hits, while junior pinch hitter Tommy Harris (Littleton, Colo./Columbine) delivered the lone RBI for Mines.

Sterling was 2-for-4 with four runs batted in, including a three-run home run, while Chris Lipowicz went 1-for-3 and drove in two runs.

Mines (11-28, 5-9 RMAC) is slated to return to action on Sunday when it plays another twinbill at Fort Hays beginning at 11:00 am.

-- orediggers --

CSM BASEBALL LOSES TO REGIS, 7-5, IN NONCONFERENCE GAME

GOLDEN, Colo. -- Regis scored three runs in the eighth inning to turn a 5-4 deficit into a 7-5 victory over Colorado Mines in non-conference baseball action on Tuesday afternoon at the Digger Dome.

The Rangers (21-21) plated an unearned run in the top of the third, only to see Mines knot the game at 1-1 as junior first baseman Adam Marwitz (Denver, Colo./George Washington) delivered an RBI double in the bottom half of the inning.

Regis would go on to score one in the fifth and two more in the sixth on a two-run home run to leftfield by Chad Boyd to claim a 4-1 lead. However, CSM plated three in the sixth and another in the seventh on an RBI double from Marwitz to regain the lead at 5-4.

But Regis scored three runs on four hits, including a two-run single from Ryan Smith, in the eighth and Dave Wyatt pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his third save of the season.

Erick Lindenau earned the win for Regis as he threw two innings of relief, allowing two earned runs on four hits. He improved to 3-4 on the season. Mines freshman Vince Ruscetta (Westminster, Colo./Stnadley Lake) took the loss and slipped to 2-7 this year. He pitched four innings in relief of senior Ray Surface (Henderson, Colo./Centaurus), surrendering five runs, four earned, on eight hits.

Marwitz finished 2-for-3 with a run and two runs batted in to lead the Oredigger offense, while Boyd and Justin Mead each recorded three hits and two RBI for the Rangers.

Mines is slated to return to action this weekend when it travels to Fort Hays State for a four-game RMAC series beginning Friday with a single nine-inning game at 7:00 pm.

-- orediggers --

MINES BASEBALL LOSES A PAIR TO METRO STATE

GOLDEN, Colo. -- The Colorado Mines baseball team dropped a pair of Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference games to Metro State on Sunday afternoon at the Digger Dome. The Roadrunners won, 10-1, in the opener, and pulled out a 9-2 victory in the finale.

In the first game, Metro (22-19, 9-11 RMAC) scored eight runs in the fourth, highlighted by a grand slam from Brian Edwards, in cruising to the victory. Caleb Salankey pitched a complete game as he moved to 4-2 on the season. He limited CSM to one unearned run on four hits and struck out five.

Mines junior shortstop Mike Cerbo (Denver, Colo./South) was 3-for-3, while senior first baseman Ryan Hessler (Greeley, Colo./Sterling) drove in the lone run for the Orediggers. Junior Matt Gilbreath (Mead, Colo./Arvada) took the loss and slipped to 3-6 in 2003.

In the nightcap, Metro’s Brad Swartlander gave up two runs on three hits in seven innings of work to earn the win and improve to 3-3. Burley Burns pitched the final two innings, giving up just one hit as the duo combined to limit the Oredigger offense to just four hits in the nine inning contest.

Metro’s Ricky Fuller went 4-for-5 with three runs batted in, while John Burny was 3-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI. Mines senior catcher Mike Schmitz (Aurora, Colo./Overland) went 2-for-4 with an RBI in game two.

Sophomore Kevin Barrett (Lafayette, Colo./Centaurus) took the loss and fell to 3-5 this season.

Mines (11-26, 5-7 RMAC) is slated to return to action when it hosts Regis for a non-conference game on Tuesday beginning at 4:00 pm.

-- orediggers --

CSM BASEBALL TAKES TWO FROM METRO STATE

GOLDEN, Colo. -- The Colorado Mines baseball team got back to .500 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference by sweeping a doubleheader from Metro State on Friday afternoon at the Digger Dome. In the opener, junior rightfielder Justin Barberio (Fort Collins, Colo./Rocky Mountain) delivered the game-winning RBI with a single in the seventh for an 8-7 Oredigger win, while freshman Vince Ruscetta (Westminster, Colo./Standley Lake) pitched Mines to an 8-6 win in the finale.

In the opener, Metro gained a 4-3 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, only to see Mines plate three in the fifth to take a 6-4 advantage. Senior first baseman Ryan Hessler (Greeley, Colo./Sterling) delivered the big blow with a two-run single. But the Roadrunners (20-18, 7-10 RMAC) would come back with three in the sixth to regain a 7-6 lead. Mines junior second baseman Kevin Baird (LaJunta, Colo./LaJunta) registered an RBI single in the sixth to knot the score and set up Barberio’s seventh inning heroics.

Freshman Brady Romberg (Aurora, Colo./Grandview) earned the win as he pitched 1 2/3 innings of one hit relief. Brad Swartzlander took the loss, allowing two runs on four hits in 1 1/3 innings of releif.

In the nightcap, Metro scored three unearned runs in the third to take the early lead. However, Mines stormed back to score six in the bottom of the third and added two insurance runs in the sixth and held on for the win.

Ruscetta lasted 6 2/3 innings, allowing six runs, three earned, on seven hits to improve to 2-6 this season. Freshman Ryan Oliver (Littleton, Colo./Heritage) recorded the final out to earn his first career save.

In the doubleheader, CSM was paced by freshman rightfielder Justin Ray (Evergreen, Colo./Evergreen) who went 5-for-7 with three runs scored, while senior designated hitter Adam Marwitz (Denver, Colo./George Washington) wa 3-for-4 with a home run in the first game.

Brian Edwards was 3-for-6 with two runs and two RBI in the twinbill.

Weather permitting, Mines (11-24, 5-5 RMAC) is slated to host Metro for another doubleheader beginning at 12:00 pm Saturday afternoon.

-- orediggers --

MINES BASEBALL LOSES TO FORT HAYS, 14-7

GOLDEN, Colo. -- Fort Hays State scored seven runs in the final three innings to break a 7-7 tie and earn a 14-7 victory over Colorado Mines in nonconference baseball action Thursday afternoon at the Digger Dome.

FHSU (31-8) claimed a 6-0 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth, only to see CSM plate three in the fourth and four in the sixth to knot the score at 7-7. Mines freshman leftfielder Justin Ray (Evergreen, Colo./Evergreen) delivered a two-run triple in the sixth, while junior centerfielder Brent Whitcomb (Aurora, Colo./Hinkley) produced a two-run single in the fourth.

However, Hays would score one run in the seventh to regain the lead and added three runs apiece in the eighth and ninth innings to earn the win.

Mines (9-24) was led by Ray who went 2-for-5 with two RBI. Whitcomb and senior first baseman Ryan Hessler (Greeley, Colo./Sterling) each went 2-for-4 with two runs batted in. The Tigers had six players record at least two hits, while four players drove in two runs apiece.

CSM is slated to return to action on Friday afternoon when it hosts Metro State for an RMAC contest beginning at 3:00 pm.

-- orediggers --

CSM BASEBALL TOPS REGIS, 3-2, IN NONCONFERENCE ACTION

GOLDEN, Colo. -- The Colorado Mines baseball squad improved to 9-23 overall with a 3-2 win over Regis in non-conference baseball action on Wednesday afternoon at the Digger Dome.

Regis (18-21) scored the first run of the game in the seventh when Will Kerns crossed the plate after a balk by Mines junior pitcher Matt Gilbreath (Mead, Colo./Arvada).

The lead was short-lived, however, as CSM came back to score three unearned runs in the bottom half of the inning. With two out and the bases loaded, Mines freshman leftfielder Justin Ray (Evergreen, Colo./Evergreen) sent a hard hit ball to second base that went off the glove of Ranger sophomore Mark Steinbeck for a two-run error. Junior second baseman Kevin Baird (LaJunta, Colo./LaJunta) followed with an RBI infield single to make it 3-1.

Regis managed to cut its deficit to 3-2 as pinch hitter Scott Richards recorded a leadoff home run to leftfield in the ninth. However, Gilbreath retired three of the next four batters to earn the win and move to 3-5 on the season. He pitched five innings of relief, allowing three hits and striking out one. Sophomore Kevin Barrett (Lafayette, Colo./Centaurus) started for Mines and went four innings, allowing no runs, three hits and striking out one.

Sean Dockery started for the Rangers and pitched five innings of scoreless ball, allowing just two hits. Erick Lindenau took the loss and slipped to 2-4 on the season.

CSM is slated to return to action on Thursday afternoon when it hosts Fort Hays State for a non-conference game at 4:00 pm.

-- orediggers --

MINES BASEBALL LOSES AT REGIS, 8-7, SPLITS FOUR GAME SERIES

DENVER, Colo. -- The Regis baseball team salvaged a split with Colorado Mines by earning an 8-7 victory in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action Sunday afternoon at Regis Field. Mines opened the series with two wins, while the Rangers won the final two games of the four-game set.

CSM (8-23, 3-5 RMAC) jumped on the board in the first as junior designated hitter Adam Marwitz (Denver, Colo./George Washington) delivered an RBI single. But the Rangers would respond with three in the second to claim their first lead of the game.

The Orediggers had an answer in the fourth as they plated four runs to regain a 5-3 advantage. Senior centerfielder Ross Tobin (Susanville, Calif./Lassen) delivered the big blow with a two-run triple. However, the lead was short lived as Regis scored two runs in the fourth and fifth innings and added another tally in the sixth the take a 8-5 lead.

CSM would again rally and cut its deficit to 8-7 on a two-run home run to left center by junior second baseman Tommy Harris (Littleton, Colo./Columbine). But Mines would get no closer as Regis pitcher Adam Ristau moved to 5-2 on the season by throwing a complete-game. He allowed seven runs, six earned, on 12 hits and struck out five.

Oredigger freshman Vince Ruscetta (Westminster, Colo./Standley Lake) took the loss as he lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs, six earned, on eight hits. He struck out two and walked three. Freshmen Brady Romberg (Aurora, Colo./Grandview) and Ryan Oliver (Littleton, Colo./Heritage) combined for 3 1/3 innings of relief. The duo allowed one run on five hits, while Romberg recorded a strikeout.

Mines will next be in action when it hosts Metro State for a four-game series beginning with a single game on Friday at 3:00 pm.

-- orediggers --

CSM BASEBALL SPLITS TWINBILL AT REGIS

DENVER, Colo. -- Colorado Mines junior Matt Gilbreath (Mead, Colo./Arvada) threw a complete game, seven hitter to lead the Oredigger baseball squad to a 2-1 victory at Regis in game one of Saturday’s Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference doubleheader at Regis Field. The Rangers won the nightcap, 7-6, in 10 innings.

In the opener, Regis (16-20, 3-7 RMAC) jumped on the board first as Nick Langone belted a home run to leftcenter field in the sixth inning. However, Mines used a pair of runs in the seventh to take a 2-1 lead and Gilbreath shut the door on the Rangers to earn the win and move to 2-5 on the season.

CSM, which was limited to just four hits in the opener, was led by senior leftfielder Jordan Rudel (Fort Morgan, Colo./Fort Morgan) who went 2-for-2 and also scored the game-winning run.

In the finale, Regis claimed a 5-2 lead after six innings of play, only to see Mines rally with three runs in the top of the seventh to send the game into extra innings. Mines then scored an unearned run in the top half of the tenth, but the Rangers scored two times with two outs in the bottom of the tenth to earn the win and a split of the doubleheader.

Mines sophomore Kevin Barrett (Lafayette, Colo./Centaurus) took the loss, despite going 9 2/3 innings, allowing six earned runs on 14 hits, while striking out five. Junior designated hitter Adam Marwitz (Denver, Colo./George Washington) went 2-for-5 with two RBI in the second game, while senior catcher Mike Schmitz (Aurora, Colo./Overland) and sophomore third baseman Steven Krier (Sterling, Colo./Sterling) each went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.

The Orediggers will conclude their four-game series with Regis with a game on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 pm.

-- orediggers --

MINES BASEBALL RALLIES TO DEFEAT REGIS, 8-5

DENVER, Colo. -- Colorado Mines scored five runs in the ninth inning to erase a two-run deficit and claim an 8-5 victory over Regis in the first of four Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference baseball games on Friday afternoon at Regis Field.

Mines (7-21, 2-3 RMAC) grabbed a 3-0 lead after three innings, as senior catcher Mike Schmitz (Aurora, Colo./Overland) recorded a pair of RBI doubles. However, the Rangers responded with single runs in the fourth, fifth and eighth innings and two runs in the seventh to gain a 5-3 advantage heading into the final inning of play.

But the Orediggers would plate five runs on three hits and a Ranger error in the ninth to regain the lead. The winning run crossed the plate when junior shortstop Mike Cerbo (Denver, Colo./South) drew a one out walk, while Schmitz then followed with a two-run double to provide Mines with a pair of insurance runs.

Freshman Ryan Oliver (Littleton, Colo./Heritage) picked up the win as he pitched two innings of relief, allowing two runs and striking out one. Freshman Brady Romberg (Aurora, Colo./Grandview) earned his first career save as he pitched a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout. Frederic Carney took the loss for Regis as he went 8 1/3 innings, surrendering six runs, three earned, on five hits. He struck out seven.

Schmitz finished 3-for-5 with four runs batted in and a run scored, while Cerbo, senior centerfielder Ross Tobin (Susanville, Calif./Lassen) and sophomore third baseman Steven Krier (Sterling, Colo./Sterling) each drove in one run.

Chad Boyd and Andrew Newton of Regis (16-19, 3-6 RMAC) each registered three hits, while Ryan Smith was 2-for-4 with a pair of runs batted in.

Mines will play a doubleheader at Regis on Saturday afternoon with the first pitch slated for 1:00 pm.

-- orediggers --

CSM BASEBALL FALLS AT AIR FORCE ACADEMY, 22-9

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The Colorado Mines baseball squad fell at Division I Air Force Academy, 22-9, in non-conference action Tuesday afternoon at Falcon Field.

Mines struck for four runs in the top of the first, thanks to four singles and an RBI triple from junior first baseman Adam Marwitz (Denver, Colo./George Washington), as well as an RBI double from freshman leftfielder Justin Ray (Evergreen, Colo./Evergreen).

However, Air Force came back with four in the bottom of the first and tallied two runs apiece in the second and third innings to take an 8-4 lead. The Falcons tacked on another run in the fourth and put the game away with seven runs in the fifth.

Marwitz led CSM as he went 4-for-5 with two runs and an RBI. Senior designated hitter Jordan Rudel (Fort Morgan, Colo./Fort Morgan) was 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI, while senior rightfielder Justin Barbario (Fort Collins, Colo./Rocky Mountain) registered two hits in five at-bats and also drove in a run.

Josh Phifer paced the Falcons (11-20) as he went 5-for-6 with five runs batted in, while Adam Howes was 4-for-4 with four runs scored and a pair of RBI. Air Force recorded 28 hits, as eight players registered at least two hits in the game.

Mines (6-21) will next be in action when it travels to Regis for a four-game conference series this weekend. The opener will be Friday at 3:00 pm. The two teams will then play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1:00 pm and conclude the series with a 12:00 pm contest on Sunday.

-- orediggers --

MINES BASEBALL SPLITS TWO WITH NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS

GOLDEN, Colo. -- Colorado Mines sophomore pitcher Kevin Barrett (Lafayette, Colo./Centaurus) fired a complete-game, six hitter and junior designated hitter Adam Marwitz (Denver, Colo./George Washington) went 3-for-4 with four runs batted in as the Orediggers earned an 8-2 victory over New Mexico Highlands in the first game of Saturday’s Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference doubleheader at the Digger Dome. NMHU won game two, 10-2.

In the first game, Marwitz registered a pair of doubles and a RBI single to lead the way. Mines busted the game open with five runs in the fifth inning highlighted by a home run from senior leftfielder Ross Tobin (Susanville, Calif./Lassen) and a single by senior rightfielder Jordan Rudel (Fort Morgan, Colo./Fort Morgan) which plated two.

Barrett improved to 3-3 with the win, as both runs he allowed were unearned. He struck out eight and walked just one. Alton Tomlin slipped to 0-4 on the season as he pitched four innings, surrendering six runs on eight hits.

In the finale, Highlands pounded out 20 hits and scored four runs apiece in the fifth and ninth innings to claim the win. Bryan Fryer was 4-for-6 with two runs and two RBI, while Derek Neuenschwander went 3-for-5 with a home run and two driven in.

CSM freshman Vince Ruscetta (Westminster, Colo./Standley Lake) took the loss as he went seven innings, allowing six runs, three earned, on 14 hits. He struck out five and walked one. C.J. Salas earned the win for NMHU to move to 3-2 on the season. He gave up just one run on six hits in seven innings of work.

Mines senior catcher Mike Schmitz (Aurora, Colo./Overland) finished the doubleheader a combined 5-for-8 with a run scored, while junior centerfielder Brent Whitcomb (Aurora, Colo./Hinkley) drove in a run in each game.

Mines (6-20, 1-3 RMAC) is slated to return to action on Tuesday when it travels to the Air Force Academy for a 2:00 pm game.

-- orediggers --

CSM BASEBALL FALLS TWICE TO NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS

GOLDEN, Colo. -- The Colorado Mines baseball team dropped a pair of games to New Mexico Highlands in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference doubleheader on Friday afternoon at the Digger Dome. Highlands won the opener, 12-5, and Friday’s finale, 11-3.

In the first game, Mines erased a 4-0 deficit with five runs in the third, only to see NMHU (17-12, 3-3 RMAC) score six runs in the fifth inning to seal the win. Marcos Ramos delivered the big blow with a two-run home run, while Lucas Hastings added a pair of runs batted in with a single.

Brian Cochran earned the win and improved to 4-0, while CSM senior Ray Surface (Henderson, Colo./Centaurus) dropped to 1-5. Surface pitched all seven innings, allowing 13 hits, 12 runs, seven earned, and striking out two.

In the finale, NMHU raced out to a 4-1 lead after three innings and tacked on two runs apiece in the fifth and sixth innings to claim the win. Mines senior leftfielder Jordan Rudel (Fort Morgan, Colo./Fort Morgan) clubbed his second homer of the year in game two.

Andrew Padilla got the win as he went seven innings, limiting CSM to seven hits, three runs and striking out seven. Junior Matt Gilbreath (Mead, Colo./Arvada) took the loss and dropped to 1-5. He went seven innings, surrendering nine runs, five earned, and fanning four.

In the two games, Rudel finished 3-for-7 with two runs and an RBI, while senior catcher Mike Schmitz (Aurora, Colo./Overland) was 3-for-5 with two runs batted in. Highlands was paced by Matt Planeta who wa s 5-for-9 with four runs and an RBI. Ramos finished the twinbill 4-for-7 with six driven, four runs scored and two homers.

Mines (5-19, 0-2 RMAC) will again host NMHU for a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is slated for 12:00 pm.

-- orediggers --

MINES BASEBALL LOSES FINAL TWO AT SOUTHERN COLORADO

PUEBLO, Colo. -- The Colorado Mines baseball team dropped both games of Sunday’s non-conference doubleheader at Southern Colorado at Rawlings Field as the Thunderwolves completed a four-game sweep of Mines. USC won game one, 7-6, and the finale, 12-10.

In the opener, Mines trailed 6-2 heading into the fifth inning, but used four runs to knot the game at 6-6. However, USC third baseman Danny Cummins belted a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth that proved to be the game-winner for his ballclub.

In the finale, CSM again fell behind and trailed 12-5 after seven. The Orediggers would go on to plate five in the eighth to slice its deficit to 12-10. But USC closer Don Clement surrendered a leadoff single in the ninth before retiring the next three CSM batters to earn his sixth save of the season.

Mines (5-17) junior designate hitter Adam Marwitz (Denver, Colo./George Washington) was a combined 4-for-8 with three RBI and two runs scored on Sunday. Junior second baseman Kevin Baird (La Junta, Colo./La Junta) was 2-for-4 with a run scored in the opener, while senior rightfielder Ross Tobin (Susanville, Calif./Lassen) went 3-for-4 with three runs scored in the finale.

CSM is slated to return to action as it hosts New Mexico Highlands for four RMAC games this weekend. The two teams will open the series at 3:00 pm on Friday afternoon.

-- orediggers --

CSM NINE DROP FIRST TWO AT SOUTHERN COLORADO

PUEBLO, Colo. -- The Colorado Mines baseball team dropped the first two games of a four-game set at Southern Colorado on Saturday afternoon. USC won the opener, 5-4, in nine innings, and took the nightcap, 8-7. This weekend’s games are counting as non-conference match-ups.

In the first game, USC, ranked 29th in Division II, took a 1-0 lead with a run in the second. However, Mines put three on the board in the top of the third to take a 3-1 lead on a three-run homer by junior designated hitter Adam Marwitz (Denver, Colo./George Washington).

USC (24-7) cut its deficit to 3-2 with a run in the bottom of the third, but Mines again had an answer as senior leftfielder Jordan Rudel (Fort Morgan, Colo./Fort Morgan) produced a two-out RBI single in the fifth to give his ballclub a 4-2 lead. However, USC tacked on a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth on a two-run triple from Chad Cullimore to knot the game at 4-4.

The game would stay tied until the bottom of the ninth when Matt Manos came on as a pinch hitter and delivered the game-winning RBI with a two-out single to score Jake Gray.

USC’s Joey Newby earned the win as he pitched all nine innings, giving up four runs, all earned, on eight hits and striking out nine. Mines junior Matt Gilbreath (Mead, Colo./Mead) took the loss despite going 8 2/3 innings, surrendering five runs, four earned, on 12 hits. He struck out five.

In Saturday’s finale, Mines plated five in the second to claim the early lead. Marwitz did damage with a two-run single. But USC would score one in the third and four in the fourth to knot the game at 5-5.

Each team tacked on a run apiece in the fifth and sixth innings, while Danny Cummins provided a one-out RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to give his squad its second straight one-run win.

CSM senior Ray Surface (Henderson, Colo./Centaurus) pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs, six earned, on 11 hits and took the loss. Don Clement earned the win for the Thunderwolves as he pitched 1 2/3 innings of shutout relief with three strikeouts.

In the two game set, Marwitz finished 4-for-8 with five runs batted in and two runs scored. Senior first baseman Ryan Hessler (Greeley, Colo./Sterling) went 3-for-7 with a run scored, while senior catcher Mike Schmitz (Aurora, Colo./Overland) registered two hits, scored three times and drove in one.

The same two teams will return to action for a doubleheader in Pueblo on Sunday afternoon. The first game is slated to begin at 12:00 pm.

-- orediggers --

CSM BASEBALL LOSES FINAL TWO AT HAWAII PACIFIC

HONOLULU, Hawaii. -- The Colorado Mines baseball team has dropped itsfinal doubleheader at Hawaii Pacific on Sunday afternoon. Mines lost the opener, 7-2, before dropping the finale, 6-4.

In game one, HPU jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings and claimed the win. Mines was led by sophomore third baseman Steven Krier (Sterling, Colo./Sterling) who went 3-for-3 and drove in both runs. Junior desingnated hitter Justin Barberio (Fort Collins, Colo./Rocky Mountain) added a triple and scored a run.

In the nightcap, the Sea Warriors led 5-0 after five innings. However, Mines registered four in the sixth to cut its deficit to 5-4, only to see Hawaii Pacific tack on an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth and hold on for the two-run win.

Mines was limited to just five hits as five different Orediggers tallied one hit apiece. Krier, junior designated hitter Brent Whitcomb (Aurora, Colo./Hinkley) and senior first baseman Ryan Hessler (Greeley, Colo./Sterling) each had an RBI in the loss.

The Orediggers will return to action with a four-game series at Mesa State this weekend. Game one is slated for 6:00 pm Friday evening and will be the RMAC opener for both squads.

-- orediggers --

MINES BASEBALL DROPS FIRST FOUR GAMES AT HAWAII PACIFIC

HONOLULU, Hawaii. -- The Colorado Mines baseball team has dropped its first four games at Hawaii Pacific in non-conference action. The Orediggers lost Friday’s doubleheader, 7-1 and 14-4, and dropped two on Saturday evening, 5-4 and 8-6.

In the opener, the Sea Warriors struck for six runs in the bottom of the sixth to claim the win. Mines senior leftfielder Jordan Rudel (Fort Morgan, Colo./Fort Morgan) went 2-for-3 with a run, while senior first baseman Ryan Hessler (Greeley, Colo./Sterling) drove in the lone run for the Orediggers. Senior Ray Surface (Henderson, Colo./Centaurus) took the loss as he pitched six innings, allowing six earned run on seven hits, while striking out three.

In game two, Hawaii Pacific jumped out to an 8-0 lead after three innings in claiming the win. Rudel again went 2-for-3 with a run scored to pace the Mines offense, while Hessler went 2-for-3. Sophomore third baseman Steven Krier (Sterling, Colo./Sterling) went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. Senior Ross Tobin (Susanville, Calif./Lassen) made his first start of the season and took the loss. He pitched 2 2/3 innings, surrendering eight runs and striking out two.

In Saturday’s first contest, the Sea Warriors scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh to claim the win. Hawaii Pacific scored a run in each of the first three innings to take a 3-1 lead. However, Mines rallied for three in the fifth to gain a 4-3 advantage, but could not hold on for the win. Rudel went 2-for-4 with a run, while junior designated hitter Adam Marwitz (Denver, Colo./George Washington) was 1-for-3 and drove in a pair. Junior Matt Gilbreath (Mead, Colo./Arvada) went 6 1/3 innings and allowed four earned runs on six hits and took the loss.

In the final on Saturday, Mines held a 6-5 lead after five innings of play only to see the Sea Warriors plate three runs in the sixth to claim their fourth straight win over Mines. CSM sophomore second baseman Tommy Harris (Littleton, Colo./Columbine) was 3-for-4 with an RBI, while senior catcher Mike Schmitz (Aurora, Colo./Overland) went 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Junior shortstop Mike Cerbo (Denver, Colo./South) produced a 2-for-4 day at the plate and drove in a pair.

Freshman Vince Ruscetta (Westminster, Colo./Standley Lake) took the loss as he
pitched four innings, allowing seven runs, three earned, on five hits to go along with six strikeouts.

Mines will conclude its six-game series at Hawaii Pacific with a pair of doubleheaders on Sunday. The first game is slated to begin at 4:00 pm.

-- orediggers --

CSM BASEBALL DROPS TWO TO NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS

GOLDEN, Colo. -- New Mexico Highlands completed a four-game sweep of Colorado Mines in non-conference baseball action with two wins at the Digger Dome Sunday afternoon. The Cowboys won game one, 20-1, and came out with a 4-0 victory in the finale.

In the opener, Highlands scored 10 runs in the second inning in cruising to the win. NMHU (8-8) belted four home runs in the contest and totaled 17 hits in all. Brian Fryer was 3-for-4 with three RBI, while Matt Planeta went 2-for-3 and drove in four runs. Six different Oredigger players recorded one hit apiece, while sophomore second baseman Tommy Harris (Littleton, Colo./Columbine) notched an RBI single.

T.J. Reiland earned the win as he went five innings, giving up five hits and one run. He struck out nine to improve to 1-1 on the season. Mines sophomore Kevin Barrett (Lafayette, Colo./Centaurus) lasted just 1 2/3 innings and took the loss to fall to 2-1 this season. CSM committed four errors in the first game which led to 10 unearned runs.

In game two, Highlands notched one run in each of the first four innings to earn the win. Marcos Ramos contributed a two-out RBI double in the first inning, while Chris Wainhouse produced a solo homer in the second.

CSM senior first baseman Ryan Hessler (Greeley, Colo./Sterling) went 2-for-2 in the second game of Sunday’s doubleheader.

Brian Cochran picked up the win on the mound for NMHU and moved to 2-0 on the season. he limited Mines to just three hits, while striking out three. Vince Ruscetta went the distance for CSM and took the loss. He allowed four runs, two earned, on eight hits to go with three strikeouts. Ruscetta slipped to 1-2 thiss season.

CSM (5-7) will return to action this weekend when it travels to Hawaii Pacific to play six games. Mines will play doubleheaders against the Seawolves on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The first games each day are slated to begin at 4:00 pm.

-- orediggers --

MINES BASEBALL DROPS DOUBLEHEADER TO HIGHLANDS

GOLDEN, Colo. -- The Colorado Mines baseball squad dropped a pair of games to New Mexico Highlands in a non-conference doubleheader Saturday afternoon at the Digger Dome. Highlands won game one, 14-3, and the nightcap, 10-3.

In the opener, NMHU (7-8) struck for eight runs in the final two innings to extend a 6-3 lead into an 11-run win. Marty Rael led the way as he went 3-for-5 with two doubles, a triple, two runs scored and four RBI. Marcos Ramos produced a 3-for-4 day in game one and scored three times. CSM received two hits apiece from senior centerfielder Ross Tobin (Susanville, Calif./Lassen) and junior rightfielder Justin Barberio (Fort Collins, Colo./Rocky Mountain).

Andrew Padilla earned the win in the first game as he pitched six innings, allowing two earned runs on eight hits with four strikeouts. Mines junior Matt Gilbreath (Mead, Colo./Arvada) took the loss. He went five innings, allowing six runs on seven hits. He struck out five and walked five.

In Saturday’s second game, Highlands shortstop Brian Fryer went 3-for-4 and drove in seven runs to lift his team to the win. Fryer, who hit home runs in his first two plate appearances, also delivered a two-run triple in the fifth.

Tobin led CSM (5-5) in the second game as he was 2-for-3 with a pair of runs scored. Senior catcher Mike Schmitz (Aurora, Colo./Overland) also went 2-for-3 and scored a run in the finale.

C.J. Salas picked up the win in game two as he fired six innings, allowing three runs on six hits, while striking out four. Senior Ray Surface (Henderson, Colo./Centaurus) took the loss. He pitched five innings, surrendering eight earned runs on nine hits. He struck out two.

Mines will again host New Mexico Highlands for a doubleheader on Sunday. The first game is slated to begin at 11:00 am.

-- orediggers --

CSM BASEBALL TAKES THREE OF FOUR AT EASTERN NEW MEXICO

PORTALES, N.M. -- The Colorado Mines baseball team took three of four games at Eastern New Mexico over the weekend. CSM dropped the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, 6-3, and knocked off the Greyhounds, 9-4, in Saturday’s nightcap. The Orediggers then swept Sunday’s doubleheader, 1-0, and 12-3.

In the opener, ENMU’s Trevor Davis threw a complete game with five strikeouts to earn the win. The Greyhounds jumped out to a 4-1 lead after two innings thanks in part to a solo home run by Mike McDuffie. Mines sophomore third baseman Steven Krier (Sterling, Colo./Sterling) went 3-for-3 with two doubles in the loss.

In Saturday’s nightcap, Mines broke a 4-4 tie with five runs in the seventh to earn the win. Junior outfielder Ryan Ishino (Littleton, Colo./Columbine) and freshman shortstop Danny Medina (Pueblo, Colo./South) each drove in two runs apiece in the seventh. Senior Ray Surface (Henderson, Colo./Centaurus) earned the win on the mound as he went the distance, allowing eight hits, two earned runs and striking out five.

In Sunday’s first game, sophomore Kevin Barrett (Lafayette, Colo./Centaurus) fired a complete game six-hit shutout to move to 2-0 on the season. Krier drove in the lone run of the game with an RBI single in the fifth.

In the final game of the series, CSM scored five in the sixth inning to turn a 6-1 lead into an 11-1 advantage in cruising to the win. Seven Oredigger players recorded two hits in the win, while senior catcher Mike Schmitz (Aurora, Colo./Overland) drove in three runs.

Mines (5-3) will next be in action when it hosts New Mexico Highlands for a pair of doubleheaders next weekend. On Saturday, the two teams are scheduled to play a twinbill at 12:00 pm, while the squads will saquare off for two games beginning at 11:00 am Sunday.

-- orediggers --

CSM BASEBALL DROPS TWO OF THREE TO NORTH DAKOTA STATE

GOLDEN, Colo. -- The Colorado Mines baseball team dropped two of three games to North Dakota State in non-conference baseball action Saturday afternoon at The Digger Dome. The two teams wound up splitting the four-game series as Mines was victorious, 12-2, Friday afternoon.

On Saturday, NDSU won game one, 11-6, and the finale, 11-8, while the Orediggers pulled out an 18-8 win in the second contest.

NDSU (2-2) won the opener behind shortstop Jeremiah Piepkorn who went 4-for-4 with a pair of home runs, including a grad slam, and five runs batted in. The Bison led 7-5 after six innings and used a four-run seventh inning to seal the win. Terry Tchida picked up the win as he went four innings, allowing five runs, one earned, on five hits. He walked three and fanned three.

In the second game, Mines broke a 2-2 tie with 13 runs in the fifth inning to earn the victory. Senior leftfielder Jordan Rudel (Fort Morgan, Colo./Fort Morgan) went 3-for-4 with a pair of runs batted in, while junior third baseman Adam Marwitz (Denver, Colo./George Washington) added a three run home run and four RBI. Sophomore Kevin Barrett (Lafayette, Colo./Centaurus) picked up the win as he went five innings giving up two runs on five hits while striking out three.

In Saturday’s finale the Bison hammered four home runs and 15 hits to earn the win. Piepkorn was 3-for-4 with a solo homer, while Chris Baso went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. Shane Hendrickson earned the win as he went five innings, allowing three runs on five hits.

For the afternoon Marwitz led CSM as he went a combined 6-for-9 with two homers and eight runs batted in. The Bison were paced on offense by Piepkorn who was 9-for-11 with three home runs and eight RBI.

Mines will be in action next weekend when it travels to Eastern New Mexico for four games. The Orediggers will play a doubleheader beginning at 12:00 pm on Saturday and a doubleheader on Sunday is slated to begin at 11:00 am.

-- orediggers --

MINES BASEBALL TOPS NORTH DAKOTA STATE, 12-2, IN OPENER

GOLDEN, Colo. -- Colorado Mines sophomore second baseman Tommy Harris (Littleton, Colo./Columbine) went 3-for-3 with five runs batted in and junior first baseman Adam Marwitz (Denver, Colo./George Washington) added a pair of two run home runs to lead the Orediggers to a 12-2 victory over North Dakota State in the 2003 season opener at The Digger Dome.

NDSU (0-1) scored a pair of runs in the top of the third on an RBI single from Todd Sather and an RBI triple from Jeremiah Piepkorn. However, Mines responed in the bottom of the third as junior shortstop Mike Cerbo (Denver, Colo./South) registered an RBI groundout and senior centerfielder Ross Tobin (Susanville, Calif./Lassen) produced a two-out RBI single.

Mines (1-0) then broke the game open with two more runs in the fourth, five in the fifth and three in the sixth.

Harris, who came on as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the fourth, recorded a two-run double, a two-run single and an RBI single in his three plate appearances. Tobin, who led all of Division II in batting last season, finished 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI, while Marwitz went 2-for-4 with four runs batted in.

Mines junior Matt Gilbreath (Mead, Colo./Arvada) picked up the win as he pitched all seven innings, surrendering two earned runs on five hits. He struck out eight and walked just one.

The Bison were led by Piepkorn who went 3-for-3 with an RBI and missed the cycle by a home run. Brandon Olson went 1-for-3 with and RBI and a run scored for North Dakota State.

Mike Peschel, a Preseason All-America selection, started for the Bison and lasted 4.2 innings. He gave up eight runs, four earned, while striking out seven and walking just one. NDSU used a total of four pitchers on the afternoon.

The same two teams are scheduled to play three games on Saturday with the first one slated to begin at 10:00 am at the Digger Dome.

-- orediggers --