The University of Wyoming club baseball team swept the Colorado University Buffs over the weekend, winning three games 9-5, 13-0 and 13-7 on Saturday and Sunday in Johnstown, Colo.
“Our goal going into each conference series is to obviously win all three games,” Wyoming head coach Skyler Joy said. “But we know we have to win 2 of 3 to stay in contention for the postseason.”
Senior pitcher Rhowe Stefanski pitched a complete game in the first contest, recording four strikeouts and four earned runs. Stefanski now has a 2.89 ERA on the season. The Pokes won the first game 9-5 to give Stefanski his third consecutive win this season.
“Whoever wins game one really puts pressure on the other team and we’ve been able to do that all year behind our senior ace on the mound, Rhowe Stefanski,” said Joy.
Junior second baseman Justin Mette went two for three with a double and two RBI’s in the game.
The Pokes won game two in shutout fashion, 13-0. Sophomore pitcher Jeff Crocker got the start in contest and pitched five innings. Crocker allowed no runs, one walk and a mere four hits. He also earned three strikeouts.
Crocker’s game two performance was enough to earn the National Club Baseball Association’s Mid-America region Pitcher of the Week. Crocker now has two wins this season and a 1.5 ERA.
Senior pitcher Ryan Bunger pitched the final inning of game two, allowing one hit and no runs.
Game three’s pitching start went to senior Tony Goebel. Goebel pitched a full seven innings and recorded seven strikeouts. Goebel allowed seven runs in the Pokes’ 13-7 win.
Junior DH Gaige Braden was the Cowboys’ primary offensive threat over the weekend, and he is now hitting .370 with a .444 slugging percentage.
“I just felt comfortable at the plate and was seeing the ball really well,” said Braden.
Wyoming played a fourth exhibition game with Colorado on Sunday that they lost 10-1. The matchup did not count toward conference standings.
The Cowboys’ sweep puts them in first place in their conference.
“Getting the sweep was huge. Most importantly it helped put us in first place in our conference,” Braden said. “I feel like we’re finally putting it all together as a team and I think this series showed that.”
The Cowboys’ next game is Friday at Cowboy Field against the University of Northern Colorado Bears at 6:30 p.m.
