GOLDEN, Colo. – The MSU Denver Roadrunners continued its strong start to conference play Friday afternoon, defeating Colorado School of Mines Orediggers 13-7 to open the series. With the victory, MSU Denver improves to 17-6 overall and 5-0 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play.
The Roadrunners wasted no time taking control, erupting for seven runs over the first two innings, a stretch that proved to be the key turning point of the game.
MSU Denver plated four runs in the first inning behind RBI knocks from Noah Wicks, Lathen Buzard, Michael Deitz, and Alek Martinez, before adding three more in the second. Wicks highlighted the second inning with a two-RBI double, while Martinez added a sacrifice fly to make it a commanding 7-0 lead.
Colorado School of Mines answered with a six-run fourth inning to cut the deficit to 7-6, but MSU Denver quickly regained momentum in the sixth. After a leadoff walk, Blake Wilson delivered an RBI double before Brayden Oram broke the game open with a three-run home run, pushing the lead to 11-6 and swinging the game back in the Roadrunners' favor.
MSU Denver added insurance in the ninth inning when Deitz laced a two-RBI triple to cap off the scoring and seal the 13-7 win.
On the mound, Jake Syverson (4-0) earned the win after tossing six innings, allowing six runs (four earned) on six hits while striking out five. The bullpen was solid down the stretch, as Haydn Benoit, Michael Banderas, and Gavin Kaiser combined to allow just one run over the final three innings, helping secure the victory.
At the plate, the Roadrunners showcased their depth with nine different players recording a hit. Marques Abulhosn set the tone at the top of the lineup, going 1-for-2 with four walks and three runs scored, while Jared Swarbrick added a 2-for-5 effort with two runs and a walk. Wicks also went 2-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored.
River Jackson reached base four times with three walks and scored twice, while Deitz drove in three runs. Martinez chipped in with two hits, two RBIs, and a run scored, and Oram finished with three RBIs, highlighted by the game-changing home run.
MSU Denver will look to continue its perfect start in RMAC play when the two teams meet for a doubleheader Saturday in Golden.
