PUEBLO, Colo. - Colorado State University Pueblo opened the 2026 season in style Tuesday afternoon at Rawlings Field, rolling past a postseason-tested Montana State University Billings squad, 11–6, on Opening Day.
The game was a tight pitcher's duel through the first four innings, as MSU Billings starter Andrew White was outstanding early. White worked efficiently through the Pack lineup, allowing just limited traffic and keeping CSU Pueblo off the scoreboard through four frames. His command and ability to induce weak contact kept the ThunderWolves quiet and the game deadlocked at 0–0 heading into the fifth.
That changed in a big way in the bottom of the fifth, when the Pack finally broke through. After a pair of walks set the table, Jeremiah Sanchez laid down a bunt single that forced a throwing error and brought home the game's first run. Jason Arriola followed with a two-run triple down the right-field line, and Tyler Clementz kept the rally alive with an RBI double. George Andrews capped the inning by crushing a two-run homer to left field, turning a scoreless game into a 6–0 CSU Pueblo advantage in the blink of an eye.
On the mound for the ThunderWolves, Jacob Petersheim was equally impressive in his season debut. The right-hander tossed five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out four, keeping a dangerous Yellowjacket lineup in check and setting the tone early.
Montana State Billings began to claw back in the sixth and seventh innings, but CSU Pueblo had an answer each time. Logan Kelly delivered an RBI double in the sixth, and Arriola struck again with a two-run single to push the lead to 9–1. The Yellowjackets mounted their biggest threat in the eighth, trimming the deficit to three runs, but the Pack responded with two more in the bottom of the inning to regain full control.
Sanchez led the offensive attack with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, while Arriola drove in four runs and Andrews added two RBIs on his Opening Day home run. Kelly chipped in three hits as CSU Pueblo collected 11 hits overall and showed balance throughout the lineup.
With the win, the ThunderWolves made an early statement against a quality opponent that reached the postseason a year ago, opening the season with momentum and confidence as they begin their 2026 campaign.
