In a game that was spiraling in the wrong direction for Lewis-Palmer, sophomore pitcher Jake Provencio proved to be a quality mop-up man against Rampart.

The Rangers looked like they were about to mercy rule the Rams. But Rampart scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth to turn a 10-run game into a six-run game, and the Rams had all the momentum.

Provencio entered the game in the fifth with only one out and inherited runners on second and third. But the sophomore righty retired the side and followed it up with two scoreless innings, helping the Rangers win 14-5.

“I was nervous, but I just battled through it,” Provencio said. “I just hit my spots, threw strikes and tried to be confident.”

Provencio’s experience playing varsity baseball isn’t extensive.

He played on the junior varsity squad as a freshman and made his first varsity appearance March 9 against Skyline. Though the Rangers won that game 8-2, Provencio struggled out of the bullpen, allowing two earned runs in only one inning.

This time, he felt much more comfortable.

Provencio struck out four batters and only allowed one hit in 2 2/3 innings of work.

“He’s had a great offseason,” Lewis-Palmer coach Brett Lester said. “We knew he had that in him. We’re pretty deep in the arms this year, so we’re pretty excited for him.”

Provencio said, “I put a lot of work in, and it paid off.”

In addition to Provencio pitching well out of the bullpen, Lewis-Palmer’s batters did their part. The Rangers scored a combined three runs in the last two innings to give them insurance after Rampart’s fifth-inning surge.

Lewis-Palmer finished the game with 12 hits and scored in six of the seven innings. The Rangers’ offensive output allowed Provencio to be calm and confident.

“It always feels good,” the sophomore said. “You don’t have nearly as much pressure on you. It’s easier to throw strikes.”

Despite losing handily, Rampart (3-2) has already matched its win total from the 2023 season. The Rams earned wins against Grand Junction Central, Grand Junction and Air Academy in their first four games before falling to Lewis-Palmer.

“That’s a good squad right there,” Lester said. “They’re going in the right direction. They’re going to win games.”

Because of weather cancellations, Lewis-Palmer (3-0) hadn’t played since March 12. But craziness aside, the Rangers earned a nine-run win over a quality opponent.

“The maturity is speaking a little bit,” Lester said. “Anytime guys can respond: Continuously hit the ball, continuously make plays, do the little things. When they’re well-rounded, you know the maturity’s there.”