DENVER — The MSU Denver Roadrunners battled through a hot Saturday afternoon, splitting a doubleheader with the Chadron State Eagles in RMAC play. MSU Denver now stands at 21-7 overall and 14-4 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, with the two teams set to wrap up the series Sunday.
Despite the split, it was a day defined by strong pitching on both sides and a relatively quiet offensive output compared to the Roadrunners' recent surge.
Game One: Chadron State 3, MSU Denver 0 (8 inn.)
The opener turned into a pitcher's duel, with Natalie Romero delivering another standout performance in the circle despite taking the loss.
Romero was dominant through regulation, tossing 7.2 innings and holding Chadron State scoreless into extra innings. She allowed just three runs on seven hits while striking out five, but all three runs came in the top of the eighth inning, breaking a scoreless tie and ultimately deciding the game. Romero fell to 8-4 on the season.
The turning point came in that eighth frame, when Chadron State strung together a few hits, including a two-RBI double down the line to finally break through after being silenced all afternoon.
Offensively, MSU Denver struggled to generate momentum, managing just three hits and failing to capitalize on limited opportunities. The Roadrunners threatened in the fifth inning with runners in scoring position but couldn't push a run across.
The shutout snapped MSU Denver's 10-game winning streak, as the bats were held quiet against a strong opposing pitching performance.
Game Two: MSU Denver 5, Chadron State 3
The Roadrunners responded in game two behind timely hitting and another strong showing in the circle to earn a 5-3 victory.
Chadron State struck first in the opening inning, but MSU Denver answered immediately, tying the game at 1-1 on a wild pitch. The Roadrunners then took control in the second inning, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to grab a 3-1 lead, a key turning point in the contest.
MSU Denver added to its lead in the fifth inning when Brooklyn Enny launched a solo home run to make it 4-1. Later in the inning, Neila Lucero delivered an RBI single to extend the advantage to 5-1.
In the circle, Kianna Butler was outstanding, earning the win to improve to 6-1 on the season. She tossed 6.1 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits while striking out eight to keep Chadron State in check.
Samantha Mader came on in the seventh to record the final two outs and earn her first save of the season, closing the door after Chadron State pushed across two late runs.
At the plate, Enny led the way with her home run, while Lucero and Cheyenne Prieto helped pace an offense that capitalized on key moments despite another relatively quiet day overall.
The Roadrunners will look to secure the series victory as they return to action Sunday for another doubleheader against Chadron State in Denver.
