Metro second basemen Tommy Frikken tags out a CSU-Pueblo runner April 3 at Auraria Field. The 'Runners won the game 19-2. Photo by Steve Anderson
“[We] came out and got beat pretty bad the first game,” Head Coach Tom Carcione said. “The guys responded with winning a doubleheader yesterday and coming out today, pretty much putting it to them.”
First baseman Jordan Stouffer also took note of the series.
“[We were] just trying to simplify the game,” Stouffer said. “[We’re] playing a little more loose, a little more relaxed. I think the first game, we came out a little stiff.”
CSU-Pueblo jumped to a 12-2 lead in the second inning April 1, eventually winning the game 19-4. Metro pitcher Ted Jamison pitched six innings, striking out three and walking one. Outfielder David Fox extended his hitting streak to 19 games. Meanwhile, CSU-Pueblo pitcher Cole Stephens allowed only three runs, on nine hits, in eight innings.
Metro gained momentum in the series April 2, despite a cold afternoon of baseball. In the first game of a doubleheader, first baseman Evan Claus hit a game-winning, two-run walk-off home run in the seventh inning.
“I’m just happy for a team win in a conference game,” Claus said. “It’s a huge win. It keeps us in good position to maybe win a conference championship.”
Metro won the game, 9-7. Pitcher Jake Draeger allowed four runs over 5 1/3 innings.
“We just had to put it (Thursday’s game) aside us,” Draeger said. “The guys did a good job of bouncing back. Everybody’s got a good mentality on this team. That really set the tone for the day for us.”
Metro won game two of the doubleheader, 6-5. Pitcher Nate Van Bibber pitched six innings, striking out three and walking two batters.
In the series finale, Stouffer put on an offensive show, hitting 3-6 with three home runs, tying a school record, and added seven RBIs.
“I try to make every at-bat count,” Stouffer said. “I try to hit my pitches, not pitchers’ pitches. It’s the same approach I usually have.”
Metro blew out the ThunderWolves, 19-2, behind Stouffer’s career performance.
“He’s made some adjustments,” Carcione said. “A couple weeks back, he wasn’t recognizing the breaking ball too much. He’s putting a lot of extra work in the [batting] cages. He’s on a little streak right now.”
Pitcher Bradshaw Perry allowed one run, on four hits, striking out four and walking five.
Metro will travel to Nebraska-Kearney for a four-game series, April 9-11.
People: Bradshaw Perry, Cole Stephens, David Fox, Evan Claus, Jake Draeger, Jordan Stouffer, Nate Van Bibber, Ted JAmiso, Ted Jamison, Tom Carcione, Tommy Frikken
Great job, Metro baseball team!