While their younger teammates are like TV shows that have been renewed for another season, 12 Orediggers faced the reality of their series’ penultimate episodes May 3-4.
The Colorado School of Mines baseball team hosted UCCS for its final games of the regular season, winning the weekend series 3-1 and recognizing its 12 departing seniors during a May 4 pregame ceremony.
Mines, which closed out the regular season 27-19 overall and 20-12 in conference play, will be the No. 3 seed in the May 8-11 RMAC tournament. It was scheduled to play No. 4 seed Adams State May 8 in Grand Junction.
The Orediggers had a slow start in the May 3 doubleheader. Down 5-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning, they scored two runs to tie. Then, redshirt junior Mason Andrews hit a walk-off single to centerfield allowing teammate Canon Humphreys to score the game-winner.
The second game was very different, as the Orediggers dominated the Mountain Lions 13-4.
On May 4, after hosting their Senior Day ceremony, the Orediggers couldn’t stop the Mountain Lion offense. Down 8-0 in the sixth inning, the Orediggers scored their only four runs of the game. The Mountain Lions answered with six more of their own in the seventh, and eventually took the W 15-4.
But, for their final game at Jim Darden Field, the Mines seniors helped give their team a 5-2 lead after the second inning. The Orediggers built on their momentum throughout the game. Andrews had another hit in the fourth to score Humphreys, and the Orediggers nabbed three more runs in the sixth.
The Orediggers ultimately won 12-5, and the seniors started preparing for their proverbial series finale in Grand Junction.
The RMAC tournament is double elimination, so Mines is expected to play again May 9. To follow the team’s results, or for more information, visit MinesAthletics.com.
Colorado School of Mines freshman Evan Bilter (36) makes it to second base during a May 4 home game against UCCS. Mines won three of its four weekend games against UCCS and celebrated 12 departing seniors to close the 2024 regular season. Credit: Photo by Hannah Wiest for Mines Athletics 
A Colorado School of Mines pitcher warms up during the May 4 home game against UCCS. Mines won three of its four weekend games against UCCS and celebrated 12 departing seniors to close the 2024 regular season. Credit: Photo by Hannah Wiest for Mines Athletics 
Colorado School of Mines senior infielder I-Ly Hsue (5) prepares to pick up a ground ball at second base during the May 4 home game against UCCS. Mines won three of its four weekend games against UCCS, and ended the regular season 27-19 overall and 20-12 in conference play. Credit: Photo by Hannah Wiest for Mines Athletics