Colts Sweep Doubleheader Home Opener

The Laramie Colts got their 2014 home schedule off to a bang as they swept a doubleheader against the Colorado Slammers Thursday afternoon.

The Colts started out slow in the first game but exploded for 10 runs in three innings and went on to win 10-3. Colts pitcher Jesus Brito pitched a complete game, allowing one earned run on six hits and two walks. Brito also struck out seven.

Laramie was led offensively by Rob Cashel and Lance Portwood. Cashel went 3-4 with one RBI and scored every time he got on base. Portwood had a two RBI triple in the fourth inning that gave Laramie the lead for good. Portwood added another RBI in the sixth inning.

“After the first couple of innings I reiterated to them that they need to put the ball in play and I think we did a good job of executing,” Colts Manager James Clark said.

Clark said he knew the Slammers game two pitcher was going to be a little better and figured the game would be closer.

Clark was right as his team struggled against the Slammers throughout the second game. Laramie went down in order offensively four times in the game, but found a way to pull through for a 4-3 victory.

It wasn’t until the seventh inning the Colts’ offense finally found their spark. Down 3-2, Laramie’s first two batters in the inning grounded out. The Colts then loaded the bases off of two walks and sharp hit down the right field line by Jordan Rice.

Tyler Kozlowski then stepped up to bat and hit a game winning RBI single to left field. Kozlowski was mobbed by his teammates as he rounded first base. He also received a celebratory Gatorade bath once he made it back to the dugout.

“Obviously it’s exciting but you don’t get there without the good at bats before it,” Clark said. “Anything can happen with the bases loaded and Tyler came through.”

The Colts have three days off and then play the Slammers again this Sunday in Denver. It will be a single seven inning game.

“I think going into the next couple games we just need to continue what we are doing and pick the pitchers up and we’ll keep rolling because there are a lot of teams in this league that we can beat,” Colts outfielder Rob Cashel said.