UNC Mirror

Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: File Photo University of Northern Colorado infielder Chad Murray bats against South Dakota State with Tony Martin behind the plate. The Bears will host the Northern Triangular Tournament, a double round-robin, against Air Force and Utah Valley State today through Sunday at Jackson Field.

After flexing its muscles against two Division II opponents last weekend and Tuesday, the University of Northern Colorado baseball team will host the Northern Colorado Triangular Tournament this weekend.

The Bears (12-22) will host Air Force (11-22) and Utah Valley State (7-24-1) in a double round-robin tournament.

The Bears have been hot after sweeping a three game set against Montana-Billings before embarrassing Metro State Tuesday in a 29-10 victory. Metro State is currently ranked 10th in the nation in Division II.

Junior first baseman and designated hitter Kevin Sandberg accounted for Metro's run total by himself, driving in 10 runs, which broke the school record of eight RBI's in a single game. Sandberg credited his teammates for giving him the opportunity to drive in 10 runs.

"It was great having people on base all the time - that's what it's about," Sandberg said. "You can't get the 10 RBI's without anybody on base."

Sandberg definitely had the support of his teammates, as they tallied 30 hits, including 6 home runs against Metro State.

"They all hit together, so that's important and we've been talking about that a long time," UNC coach Kevin Smallcomb said. "I know they believe in contagious at-bats, so hopefully that continues to show up."

Facing two teams with similar records this weekend should allow the Bears an opportunity to build on their four-game winning streak. They lost to Air Force 5-3 in February and have yet to face Utah Valley State this season.

"We just gotta stay competitive, you know, it doesn't matter who we're playing," said senior shortstop Cory Morales, who had two hits and four runs against Metro State. "We need to continue to string some wins together."

The players are certainly excited to be playing some home games at Jackson Field after starting the first 24 on the road. Sandberg and Morales both said sleeping in their own beds has been a welcomed change. Smallcomb agreed with his players and is pleased to play some home contests. The Bears take the field at 2 p.m. today and Saturday, and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday at Jackson Field.

"It's good to play at Jackson Field in front of the home crowd," Smallcomb said. "We had good people out here (Tuesday) so I think that had a lot to do with the game."

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