Game One | Northeastern State 7, UC Colorado Springs 3
A five-run fifth inning powered Northeastern State to a 7-3 victory over UC Colorado Springs on Friday at Rousey Field.
The RiverHawks (2-3) trailed 3-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth before breaking the game open with an offensive surge.
Tanner Almond and
Diego Murillo led the way at the plate, each contributing key hits as NSU capitalized on defensive miscues by the Mountain Lions (3-2).
NSU struck early, scoring in the first and second innings, but UCCS responded with two runs in the second and another in the third. However, the RiverHawks' pitching settled in, shutting out the Mountain Lions over the final six frames.
Holden Yoder provided a strong presence at the plate, collecting two hits and a run scored.
Jake Woodring delivered the highlight of the game with a two-run homer, extending NSU's lead in the fifth.
On the mound, the RiverHawks limited UCCS to just three hits while striking out 13. Starter
Braxton Jones (1-0) allowed three runs—two earned—over 5 2/3 innings, and
Holden Yaksick fanned four batters in 3 1/3 innings of work.
UC Colorado Springs struggled to find offensive momentum after the third inning, striking out 13 times and leaving six runners stranded.
Game Two | Northeastern State 2, UC Colorado Springs 5
A late rally wasn't enough as Northeastern State fell 5-2 to UC Colorado Springs on Friday at Rousey Field.
The RiverHawks (2-4) were limited to just two hits, both solo home runs, as UCCS (4-2) controlled the game from the start. The Mountain Lions jumped ahead early, scoring twice in the first inning and adding runs in the second, third, and fifth innings.
Colton Ayres put NSU on the board with a solo homer in the sixth, and
Jackson Dillingham followed with another solo shot in the seventh, but the RiverHawks couldn't generate additional offense.
UC Colorado Springs collected 11 hits, with Josh Nwankwo leading the way with a double and an RBI. The Mountain Lions' pitching staff kept NSU in check, as Ryder Mancuso (1-0) tossed a complete game, allowing just two runs while striking out six.
Drake Sisemore (0-1) took the loss for NSU, giving up five runs—four earned—on 10 hits over five innings while striking out seven.
Brazen Bockius provided two scoreless innings of relief to keep the RiverHawks within reach.
Northeastern State will look to rebound on Saturday when it continues its series against UC Colorado Springs at Rousey Field.
