The Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) baseball team opened their four-game series against nationally ranked No. 19 Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) with a statement win on Thursday, splitting the day's doubleheader at home in Rangely. The Spartans took game one 5-2 behind a sharp pitching performance and timely offense before falling 6-4 in game two.

Game 1: CNCC 5, SLCC 2
Sophomore left-hander Aiden Lundquist delivered a stellar performance on the mound, pitching six innings and limiting the Bruins to two runs on nine hits while striking out three. True freshman Gage Adams closed the game with a perfect seventh inning, earning the save.

Offensively, freshman Raul Zapata ignited the Spartans with a two-run triple in the fourth inning, extending CNCC's lead. Sophomore Michael Deitz, sophomore Jake Cook, and sophomore Trent Jones each contributed an RBI, propelling the Spartans to a 4-0 advantage they maintained throughout the game. Cook also showcased his defensive prowess by throwing out a baserunner attempting to steal.

Game 2: SLCC 6, CNCC 4
In a game marked by late-inning drama, the Spartans rallied with a four-run seventh inning to take a 4-2 lead. Zapata continued his offensive surge with a clutch two-run double, while Cook and Jones added RBI singles. Despite this comeback, the Bruins responded with four runs over the final two innings to edge out the Spartans.

Redshirt sophomore Garrett Nieman started on the mound, delivering a commendable performance by allowing two runs on nine hits over seven innings. Offensively, Zapata led the team with two hits and two RBIs, while Deitz and freshman Javier Gaeta each recorded multiple hits.

Looking Ahead
The Spartans, now 8-23 overall and 3-3 in Scenic West Athletic Conference play, will conclude their series against SLCC with another doubleheader on Friday in Rangely. They aim to build on their momentum and secure a series win against the nationally ranked Bruins.