HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped its 2022 opener against Colorado School of Mines on Saturday (Feb. 5) by a score of 13-4. The Tigers collected eight hits in the contest, but three FHSU errors and three Mines home runs in the fourth inning pushed the Orediggers over the top.
Opening Day starter Conner Kessler retired the side in order in the top of the first before the first two batters reached for the Tigers, but the Orediggers escaped the inning with a fielder's choice and two popups.
Mines struck first with four runs in the second, just two of which were earned after a pair of Tiger errors. The Tigers picked up just one more hit over the next four innings, which allowed the Orediggers to go up 12-0 thanks to a seven-run fourth inning.
The Tigers started to claw back with one run in the sixth before pushing across three more in the seventh. Redshirt-freshman Jenner Kehe picked up his second hit of the game with one out in the sixth before a hit by pitch and a walk loaded the bases. Kehe scampered home later in the inning on a wild pitch.
Ed Scott then opened the seventh with a walk before Jaxson Webb extended the inning with a single to left center. Kehe drove in a run with a single to center before pinch hitter Joey Olson worked a walk, loading the bases for returning All-MIAA honoree Grant Schmidt. The senior came through with a two-run single to center, helping the Tigers close within 12-4. Ridge Stephens followed with another single, but the final out was recorded at third base to end the inning.
Fort Hays State managed to get runners on base in each of the final two innings, but the Mines pitching staff kept the Tigers at bay to seal the win.
Mines starter Kevin Zapanta (1-0) went 6.1 innings, totaling six strikeouts and allowing four hits. Kessler (0-1) took the loss after giving up eight runs (six earned) on six hits over 3.1 innings of work. Tanner Lukowski gave up just one unearned run in two innings of relief while striking out two.
Kehe finished the game with three of FHSU's eight hits, going 3-for-5 with two runs and one RBI. Webb was 2-for-4 with one run while Schmidt led the way with two RBI.
The Tigers and Orediggers will resume the series with a doubleheader on Sunday (Feb. 6) beginning at noon at Larks Park. Both games are scheduled for seven innings.
FHSU Athletics