SAN DIEGO – The Metropolitan State University of Denver baseball team wrapped up its opening weekend with a tough loss to California State University, San Marcos. 

After dropping the first two games of the season on Friday, the Roadrunners' comeback attempt in the ninth inning came up just short Sunday as they fell 5-4. 

"In 14 years of coaching I don't think I've ever been prouder of a team after a loss," coach Ryan Strain said. "Friday was a tough day...we had to think about it for 48 hours and bounce back and we did that today."  

The game was being played at Point Loma High School in San Diego due to weather making San Marcos' field unplayable. 

The Roadrunners had clutch moments all day. They rallied to tie the game multiple times, first on a two-run triple from junior Cade Peters (Stockton, Calif./St. Mary's) in the third inning, and again the next inning on to a Zach Walsh (Austin, Texas/Vista Ridge) sacrifice fly. Freshman Zach Paschke (Highlands Ranch, Colo./Mountain Vista) added an RBI single as well.  

But the Cougars scored their fifth run in the sixth and never looked back.  

MSU Denver found its stroke on Sunday after being limited offensively on Friday, when the Roadrunners scored just three runs in two games. They combined for 11 hits and four runs Sunday.

In the ninth inning, the Roadrunners had a runner on third with one out but did not capitalize.

"The guys outplayed them in every phase of the game, but we had some tough breaks," Strain said. "We just came up short, but they never quit, and we are a better team today than when we left."

MSU Denver will be back in action next weekend as it travels to Emporia, Kan. to begin a four-game set with Emporia State. Game one is Friday at 1 p.m.