San Angelo, TX – As predicted, game four of the series between the Rams and Orediggers was indeed a high scoring affair. Angelo State would fall behind early in the game, catch their second wind in the third, fourth, and fifth innings, but then ultimately fall to Mines 15-12.
Entering the fourth inning of play, the Rams would find themselves down 6-0. Nicholas Novak would take the challenge head on, and get Angelo State on the board by pulling a deep two run home run to right center. Not to be outdone, Josh Elvir would provide two more runs via the deep ball as well, driving the pitch deep over the opposite field wall. After walks loaded the bases, Lachlan Mayo would then step up to the plate for his second time in the inning, before being hit by a pitch to bring in Jacob Finke from third. Angelo had brought the game within a single run and only trailed 6-5.
Mines would then answer with four of their own runs in the top of the fifth inning, one by a sac fly to center field and the other three by a Mikey Gangwish homerun.
Riding the momentum built from their last inning at the plate, ASU would plate four more runs in the bottom of the fifth. The first would result from the Mines pitcher hitting Jacob Finke with a pitch, bringing in Jackson Hardy from third. The next run came immediately after, when a balk would advance all runners and plate Riley Peterson from third this time. A Jordan Williams single, and a Nick Seginowich sac fly would represent the final two runs of the inning for the Rams.
Austin Thomason would come in to relieve Andrew Croucher in the top of the sixth. Thomason would only face three batters before Angelo was back in the dugout looking to take the lead. After a long bottom of the sixth, the Rams came out on score in the score column, now leading 12-10.
Colorado School of Mines would once more wake up their bats, scoring two and three runs in the seventh and eighth innings, bringing the game to its end.
Josh Elvir and Riley Peterson swung the hot bats for the Rams in the game.
Elvir finished the game going 3-4 with four RBIs, one walk, a home run, and three runs scored.
Riley Peterson was a perfect 5-5, and scored three runs as well. Peterson's 5-5 game found him only a homerun short of the cycle. The Albuquerque native hit two singles, two doubles, and a triple in the series finale against the Orediggers.
Series Note: There were 17 home runs hit between the four games played.
Angelo State returns to action as they face the Dustdevils of Texas A&M International on Friday, February 8th at noon.
