GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The top ranked Colorado Mesa baseball team led wire-to-wire in the NCAA South Central Region after a 15-5 win over the No. 22 St. Mary's Rattlers on Saturday (May 16) afternoon at The Diamond at Hamilton Ballpark. The win clinches the section of the NCAA South Central Regionals and sends the Mavericks to the NCAA Super Regionals.
Colorado Mesa scored three in the first and four in the second before the Rattlers could get on the board.
Rocco DiFrancesco had a two-run single in the first while
Cameron Cartwright hammered the first pitch he saw and sent it over the wall in left center field for a two-run round tripper.
St. Mary's scored a run in the third without recording a hit to make it 7-1 after three complete innings.
The Mavericks exploded for five runs in the top of the fourth inning to put the game out of reach.
Tate Blasi delivered the big blow in the frame as he sent a hot shot ball up the right field line for a two-run triple that made it 12-1.
Designated hitter
Jackson Lapiner put a bow on the win in the top of the seventh inning. The redshirt junior lifted a ball to right field, cutting it through the cross wind, for a three-run home run and a 15-2 lead.
While the Maverick offense was doing its thing,
Caleb Ruter was fantastic in his start and kept the Rattlers at bay. He allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits, walked four and struck out five in six innings of work. He earned the win and moved his season record to 7-0 on the season.
Three relievers each pitched an inning and combined to allow three runs on four hits, walked one and five strikeouts.
The Mavericks push their record to 52-5 on the season.
Colorado Mesa will host the NCAA South Central Super Regionals this upcoming week beginning on Thursday. Time and opponent have yet to be determined so be sure to stay tuned to CMUMavericks.com for the latest.
