GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Nos. 13 and 27 MSU Denver's attempt to achieve a split in its four-game series at Colorado Mesa started well, but the Roadrunners were unable to sustain their early momentum Monday in an eventual 12-6 defeat.
 
Cam Yuran launched a three-run, first-inning homer and Jack Slominski pitched three scoreless innings before Colorado Mesa mounted a comeback.

Later Yuran hit his second homer of the game, a two-run shot in the eighth.
 
"We had all the momentum, but then we just had really, really bad at-bats, one after the other, for a while," MSU Denver coach Ryan Strain said. "Jack was throwing it really well the first few innings, but then he got a little tired and we allowed them to get the momentum and we never really got it going again."
 
The Roadrunners (16-6 overall) played a competitive Sunday doubleheader, but got only a split after being unable to hold two three-run leads and a two-run advantage in the opening game.
 
At 1-3 to start league play, MSU Denver didn't get quite what it had come for in Grand Junction.
 
"We're disappointed in our effort this weekend," Strain said. "You've got all that in front of you and you come here after last year (when the Roadrunners beat Mesa for the RMAC Tournament Championship) and the rivalry we have, and then to play like we did … especially Saturday (a 17-7 loss) and today, it was tough to watch."
 
MSU Denver will try to start turning things around this weekend, with a four-game series at home at the Assembly Athletic Complex against UCCS.
 
"We have to flip the switch," Strain said. "Obviously we're extremely disappointed, but there are 28 games left to go and we have to bounce back from this. I need to get their attention and do a better job of coaching and get us back on the right track. I've got some ideas on how to do that. We'll go back to work (at practice) on Wednesday to get this turned around."