Kearney, Neb. – Senior Ryan Sheldon threw a complete game six hitter, and struck out 13 along the way, to lead the Nebraska-Kearney baseball team to a thrilling 4-1 win over Colorado State-Pueblo Wednesday night in Pueblo.

The eight-team, double elimination tournament began yesterday and featured sixth-seed Regis shocking top-seed Mesa State, 16-10, in one opening round game.

Fifth-seeded UNK (25-30) will play third-seed New Mexico Highlands (37-17) Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Central in a winner's bracket game. The Cowboys beat fourth-seed Metro State, 9-4, in their first round game.

UNK has now won nine straight RMAC Tournament games, dating back to a first round loss to Highlands in the 2007 tournament.

It's a bit ironic that to get number nine, Sheldon had to win his ninth game of the season. By doing so, he sets a new school record for wins in a season. Last year, Sheldon joined six others as Lopers to have won eight games in a season.

In beating CSU-Pueblo for a third time this spring, Sheldon worked out of two big jams in the seventh and eighth innings.

After issuing two walks, Sheldon faced a first and third, two out situation in the seventh. He ended the threat by fanning Rutger Bovard. An inning later, and just after UNK broke a one all tie, Sheldon got Reece Wagner to look at a called third strike with runners at second and third with two outs.

Now 3-0 with a 1.04 ERA this year vs. the ThunderWolves, Sheldon made sure there would be no drama in the ninth by striking out the side. In three starts vs. Pueblo in 2009 (26.0 innings), he fanned 36 and walked just three.

Finally, the 13 K's help Sheldon break his own school record for K's in season (96); he is now at an even 100.

Offensively, UNK was being shut down by Pueblo ace Mario Mattivi. A passed ball in the second inning helped senior right fielder Nate Swearer (2 for 4) moved to third after he began the set with a double. A ground out from senior catcher Leon de Winter (The Netherlands) then brought homer Swearer.

UNK broke up a one all pitcher's duel in the eight when sophomore first baseman Andrew Haake (2 for 3) hit a one out, two-run homer in the eighth. De Winter drew the seventh walk from Mattivi (9-5) the batter before Haake.

The Lopers added an insurance run in the ninth on junior third baseman Blake Cover's sixth homer of the season.

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