DENVER – MSU Denver dropped into first-inning deficits and never recovered Sunday in losing a doubleheader against Colorado Mesa 10-1 and 8-0.
 
"Our pitchers were able to grind through things," Van Wetzinga said. "They've got to get more defensive help. You can't not make plays defensively against a good-hitting team – that opened the door for them in pretty much every inning."
 
MSU Denver appeared to have escaped the first inning of the day scoreless, but was called for catcher's interference with two outs and the bases loaded, allowing the first run to score. Two more scored as a line drive deflected off pitcher Natalie Romero and past the lunge of shortstop Hannah DiFabio, and a fourth scored on a throwing error on a stolen base attempt.
 
In the first inning of the second game, the first run scored on a throwing error that also put another baserunner in position to score on a sacrifice fly.
 
"It's too bad because our pitchers worked hard, got ground balls and held them to singles," Van Wetzinga said. "That team leads the country in home runs, but that wasn't what hurt us. If you'd told me we were only going to give up one solo home run today, I would have said, 'That's pretty good.'"
 
The Roadrunners never led in the four-game series and were held to a total of 20 hits, including just nine Sunday. All of Sunday's hits were singles.
 
"We've got to be sharp, and we've got to be able to take care of the ball," Van Wetzinga said. "And offensively we've got to be able to punch back."
 
Colorado Mesa improved to 35-7 overall and 33-3 in the RMAC with its 25^th straight victory. Third-place MSU Denver dropped to 35-13 and 28-18.