DENVER – Sometimes with two steps forward comes one step back.
 
Coming off two wins Friday, upping its winning streak to four games overall, the MSU Denver baseball team dropped a 12-7 decision Saturday against Mary (N.D.).
 
"I was disappointed really in all phases," MSU Denver coach Ryan Strain said. "We made some errors and didn't make some plays on defense, didn't pitch well and really didn't swing the bats very well. It's disappointing because we got a little momentum and won four in a row and then threw a clunker out there. It was tough to watch."
 
Mary, which hit five home runs, led 8-0 after 4 ½ innings, then tacked on four runs in the top of the ninth for a 12-3 lead. MSU Denver rallied for four in the bottom of the ninth but ran out of opportunities.
 
While MSU Denver had early concerns with the strike zone, it ultimately couldn't overcome it.
 
"We don't get a pitch called how we want, but then our next pitch is very hittable," Strain said. "And they punished us a lot. We gave up several home runs again, and it's been a problem. Five today and we're giving up more than two a game. We just can't give up that many."
 
Cal Walsh homered for the Roadrunners (9-9), and 10 players combined for 11 hits.
 
"Their starting pitcher did a nice job of doing what we need to do," Strain said. "He pitched down in the zone, got ground balls, and kept us off balance. He had good numbers coming in, and we've got to be able to go pitch to pitch with guys sometimes."
 
MSU Denver opens league play next weekend with a four-game home series against Colorado Mesa.