PUEBLO, Colo. (February 20, 2021) -  Colorado State University Pueblo Baseball started its season with an 11-3 loss to Emporia State University Saturday at Rawlings Field.
 
Game Recap:
The Hornets started strong, scoring two runs in the first inning. They added one in the second and one in the fourth to make it 4-0.
 
The ThunderWolves got on the board in the fifth. Kodee Martin (Sr., Elkhorn, Neb.) knocked in Logan Gibbons (Sr., Taylorsville, Utah) with a triple.
 
A four-run sixth helped the Hornets open their lead to seven runs at 8-1. Aidan Welch (Jr., Seattle, Wash.) doubled home Reggie Williams (So., Castle Rock, Colo.) in the eighth to make it 8-2.
 
The Hornets tacked on three more in the ninth. Gibbons drove in a Ty Lewis (Jr., Pleasant Grove, Utah) in the  bottom of the ninth, but the Hornets spoiled the debut of new Pack Head Coach Damian Stambersky  by holding on for the win.
 
Notables:
Stone Romero (Sr., Albuquereque, N.M.) went 2-for-3. Romero had the Pack's first two hits in the ball game.
 
Gibbons finished 2-for-4 with a run scored and a RBI.
 
JC Hatch (Sr., Corona, Calif.) tossed two scoreless innings of relief.
 
Welch and Lewis each went 1-for-3 with a walk. Welch had one of the Pack's two extra base hits.
 
Jacob Garcia (R-So., Romoland, Calif.) pitched for the first time since the 2018 season. He threw two innings of relief.
 
 Pitchers of Record:
Jared Kengott picked up the win for Emporia State. Kengott threw five innings, allowing one run and five hits. He walked two and fanned five.
 
Jake Lombardelli (Jr., Windsor, Colo.) took the loss. Lombardelli lasted four innings, giving up four runs and seven hits. He struck out two and did not issue a free pass.
 
Coach Stambersky Quote:
"Obviously, not the beginning we wanted, but we were pleased with some of the processes, said Stambersky. "It's about your attitude and effort, and how you treat your teammates and that would be the bright spot, I would say. Those guys are learning a new voice and finding out what's important to us. The next step is to execute better. When we execute better and combine that with effort, it will be a pretty good deal.
 
Up Next:
The Pack and Hornets will continue their four-game series with a doubleheader Sunday starting at 12 p.m. at Rawlings Field. No spectators will be allowed at Rawlings Field.
 
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