The Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) baseball team delivered an unforgettable finish on Saturday at Columbine Park, splitting their doubleheader with the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) and sealing the series split in dramatic fashion with a walk-off grand slam by sophomore Michael Deitz.

Game 1: CSI 9, CNCC 4
The Spartans dropped the opener despite a late push in the seventh. CNCC tied the game 2-2 in the third after an RBI triple by Deitz and an RBI single from Juan Gonzales. CSI responded with six runs in the sixth inning, taking advantage of miscues and timely hitting. In the bottom of the seventh, the Spartans plated two more runs behind a triple from Jesse Baldwin and a sacrifice fly from Brent Holdren, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.

Game 2: CNCC 15, CSI 14
Saturday's second game turned into an instant classic. After blowing an 8-4 lead and falling behind 14-10 in the late innings, CNCC stormed back. In the ninth, trailing by three, the Spartans loaded the bases for Deitz, who blasted a walk-off grand slam to right-center to send the Spartans pouring onto the field in celebration.

Deitz finished 3-for-6 with 4 RBIs, including the game-winner. Raul Zapata also had a monster day, going 2-for-2 with a home run, a double, 4 RBIs, and 3 runs scored. Holdren went 2-for-5 with 3 RBIs, and Jake Cook added 2 hits and 2 RBIs. Eight different Spartans recorded hits as CNCC exploded for 15 runs on 12 hits.

Seven pitchers took the mound for CNCC in the marathon game, with Luke Culley ultimately earning the win in relief after tossing 2/3rds of an inning in the ninth.

Sophomore Spotlight
The win capped off Sophomore Day celebrations for the Spartans, honoring players who have helped lay the foundation for CNCC Baseball's ongoing growth. The walk-off grand slam was a fitting tribute to their hard work and dedication.

Up Next
CNCC (10-31 overall, 5-11 SWAC) will take the momentum from the series split into next weekend's road series against Salt Lake Community College.