Plainsmen Pick Up First Conference Wins Over Otero

Feb. 24, 2019, Sterling, Colo. — Conference games came a little earlier this year for the Plainsmen baseball team with cancelling and rescheduled games due to the weather. Typically, they like to get more than two series in to get the rust out, but in true Colorado fashion, the weather was unpredictable and forced them to play when they could. Their first conference match up was against the Otero Rattlers, who the Plainsmen knew brings a fight and could scrap a win away from them. 

The first game of three was nine innings and Cole Halpin got the nod to start the game as pitcher. In his four and one third innings pitched, he struck out seven batters, but allowed 11 hits. The Rattlers took the 6-5 lead in the third, but the Plainsmen tied it in the fourth. Otero and Northeastern both scored in the next two innings to keep it a tied game, but the Plainsmen continued scoring in the remaining three innings. Jayden Smith relieved Halpin and finished by getting the win for the Plainsmen with a score of 11-7. 

Their second game was a scheduled seven-inning game on day two. Jordan Chappell started the game on the bump, and helped the Plainsmen gain the 1-0 lead after the first inning. The Rattlers took the 3-2 lead in the second, and then tied it 3-3 when Cameron Spaeth came in to pitch in the fourth. The Rattlers went up 4-3 before Northeastern could tie it 4-4 in the sixth. The game remained tied and went into extra inning when the Plainsmen tacked on six runs to seal their 10-4 victory. 

The second game was a seven-inning game and was their third and final game of the series. Tanner Schoeninger started the game, and helped the Plainsmen take the 3-2 lead. The second inning however, Northeastern allowed two runs to score, and then an additional four in the third to allow Otero to have the 8-4 advantage. Juan Esparaza pitched in the fourth inning and shut out the Rattlers, with Cameron Phillips coming in the seventh to get the save and helping Esparaza get the win. Offensively the Plainsmen tacked two runs on in the fifth and four in the seventh to give them the win.

 Jaxon Rosencranz had a great series by accumulating six RBI's off 12 at bats in the three games. 

Northeastern's schedule has changed slightly due to inclement weather this weekend. Their baseball game against the Trinidad Trojans will now be played in Trinidad, Colo. on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3. Both double-headers will begin at 12 noon each day.