'Runners safe after sweep
Metro takes four against St. Cloud
By Eric Lansing
lansing@mscd.edu

Those who decided to catch the men's basketball games instead of Roadrunner baseball missed an exciting weekend of wild finishes and big-time performances, as Metro swept St. Cloud State University (Minn.) at Auraria Field.

Metro began the four-game series against the Huskies with a back-and-forth battle in game-one that included eight lead changes. 

The 'Runners were down 7-5 in the bottom of the seventh inning, of what was intended to be a seven inning game. Senior Mike Hoefs and sophomore Jake Palmer hit back-to-back home runs to tie the game at seven apiece. Because the inning ended in a tie, the game was changed to a full nine innings.

St. Cloud State scored two runs in the eighth inning and one in the ninth to take a 10-7 lead. But after starting the season 0-6, the Roadrunners played with determination, and used some bottom-of-the-ninth heroics to lift themselves to their first win.

With two outs and the bases full of Roadrunners, Hoefs stepped to the plate with five hits, two home runs, and two RBI already in the game. On the first pitch, the first baseman took Huskies freshman pitcher Pat De La Hunt deep over the wall for a grand slam and an 11-10 win for Metro's first of the year.

"We had to work really hard and we had a bit hit (Hoefs' grand slam)," head coach Vince Porreco said about getting the team's first win. "And that's what we need is big hits and big pitches in certain situations and to play consistent baseball."

Hoefs, who had three hits and six RBI in game two, helped Metro to its second victory.  The game was never close. The Roadrunners put up nine runs in the third inning, including another grand slam from Hoefs. Junior pitcher Braden Ham pitched a complete game and struck out six Huskies to help Metro win 14-3.

"It's a good indicator of how the pitchers are playing," Ham said on getting those first wins of the season, "We're playing the way we thought we would and we need to come at them (opposing batters) and I think its time to roll."

Metro finished the sweep of St. Cloud state by beating the Huskies in games three and four by scores of 3-1 and 10-6 respectfully.

Game three featured a pitching gem from sophomore Josh Eckert who gave up only one run and pitched a complete game to register the win. Also, freshman Dakota Nahm got his first hit of his collegiate career by hitting a 2-run homer over the left field wall.

Game four saw Metro in need of another late-game rally. Hoefs came through with his third grand slam of the series. He gave the Roadrunners a 10-6 lead that held through the end.

"I was just glad I could help the team win," Hoefs said regarding his 17 RBI on the weekend, "I haven't lived up to my potential yet and I hope this kick-starts it."

Porreco made note that Hoefs is the go-to guy on the team, but hopes the rest of the 'Runners understand that they cannot expect him to hit like that every time.

"We have yet to play all three aspects of the game altogether yet," Porreco said on whether we have seen the potential of what his team can do. "And if we do that, we are going to be a very good team.  And we are still working and our guys are coming around offensively and the pitching is stepping up."

Metro takes its four game winning streak on the road next week at Fort Hays State University to begin Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play.