DENVER — The MSU Denver baseball team kicked off the 2026 season in spectacular fashion on Saturday afternoon, securing a home doubleheader sweep against Missouri Western at the Assembly Athletic Complex.
The Roadrunners displayed a mix of veteran poise and newcomer explosiveness, battling back from significant deficits in the opener before cruising to a decisive victory in the nightcap.
Game 1: MSU Denver 13, Missouri Western 11
In a marathon season opener, the Roadrunners proved they are never out of a fight. MSU Denver trailed 4-0 early and found themselves in a 10-5 hole in the middle innings before orchestrating a massive comeback.
The turning point came in the sixth inning, where the Roadrunners' power bats finally woke up. Trailing by five, Michael Deitz launched a towering three-run home run to bring the score within two. Just moments later, Noah Wicks added a solo shot, capping off a four-run frame that shifted the momentum entirely back to the home dugout.
With the game tied 11-11 in the eighth inning, Alek Martinez delivered the signature moment of the afternoon, blasting a two-run homer to center field. The homer provided the eventual winning margin and ignited the home crowd.
- Gavin Schmeh: Set the tone for the season by homering in his first two plate appearances. He finished 3-for-5 with 3 runs and 3 RBIs.
- Erubiel Ortiz: Anchored the lineup from the No. 3 spot, going a perfect 3-for-3 with 3 RBIs and a walk.
- Marques Abulhosn: Served as an elite leadoff man, reaching base three times and scoring three runs.
- Carter Swan (W, 1-0): Swan earned the victory with a dominant relief outing. Entering in the 8th, he slammed the door by striking out five batters over two innings, allowing just one hit to secure the win.
Game 2: MSU Denver 11, Missouri Western 8
The Roadrunners carried their momentum into the second game, cruising to a game two win over the Griffons.
MSU Denver wasted no time in the second inning, exploding for seven runs to take an early 7-1 lead. The rally was punctuated by Abulhosn, who ripped a two-RBI double to extend the lead to four. The Roadrunners' ability to capitalize on a few Missouri Western errors early forced the Griffons into an uphill battle they could never quite climb.
In the sixth inning, Schmeh put the finishing touches on his incredible Saturday. He tripled into the gap to drive in another run, part of a perfect 3-for-3 game. His triple provided a crucial insurance run that proved vital when Missouri Western attempted a late rally in the ninth.
- Marques Abulhosn: Led the charge with 4 RBIs and two hits, proving to be a nightmare for Griffon pitchers all day.
- Alek Martinez: Stayed hot after his Game 1 heroics, going 2-for-4 with three runs scored and a walk.
- Haydn Benoit (W, 1-0): Earned the win with three solid innings of work, striking out five and allowing just two runs.
- The Bullpen: Joey Adge was stellar in middle relief, tossing 1.2 innings of shutout ball. Michael Banderas earned his first save of the year (S, 1) by shutting the door in the ninth inning, extinguishing any hope of a Missouri Western comeback.
With two wins on Saturday, the Roadrunners move to 2-0 and will look to complete the series sweep tomorrow afternoon.
