MESA, Ariz. - Scoring three runs in the top of the first, fifth-seed Northern Colorado picked up the upset win over top-seed NM State, 5-4, on Thursday night at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz.
Jack Pauley doubled down the right field line in the first inning to score Nick Tanner from second as the Bears took the early lead. NM State answered back with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first and then a lone run in the bottom of the fourth tied the game at 3-3.
The Bears retook the lead in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Dean Lawson to center that scored Brett Minnick and then Evan Johnson scored on a wild pitch to give UNC the two-run lead. The Aggies scored one more in the bottom of the seventh but the scoring well would dry up as Northern Colorado advances to Friday night's semifinal game against Sacramento State.
Aaron Hamilton earned the win for Northenr Colorado, allowing three runs, two earned, on six hits with seven strikeouts over 5.2 innings. Kyle Bradish was handed the loss for NM State, allowing five runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts and four walks in 5.1 innings. Jacob Howard earned his second save of the season with a pair of strikeouts after taking over to start the bottom of the ninth.
NM State will play either Seattle U or CSU Bakersfield in Friday's second elimination game. First pitch with either the Redhawks or Roadrunners is set for 3 p.m.