DENVER – MSU Denver split its Friday doubleheader with No. 1-ranked Colorado Mesa, highlighted by a historic Game One victory that secured the Roadrunners the No. 2 seed in next week's RMAC Tournament.
With the split, MSU Denver moves to 36-12 overall and 24-6 in RMAC play, while also earning its highest-ranked win since 2015.
GAME ONE: MSU Denver 12, #1 Colorado Mesa 11
The Roadrunners delivered one of their most dramatic wins of the season, overcoming a late collapse to take down the top-ranked Mavericks.
After falling behind 1-0 early, MSU Denver erupted in the third inning. Noah Wicks got things started with a two-RBI single to give the Roadrunners a 2-1 lead before Royce Vandine broke the game open with a grand slam. Brooks Rasmussen added a sacrifice fly, and MSU Denver suddenly held a 7-1 advantage.
The offense continued to roll in the fourth, as Vandine delivered a two-RBI triple after the Mesa left fielder lost the ball in the sun, followed by an RBI single from Michael Deitz to push the lead to 10-1.
However, Colorado Mesa chipped away and eventually stormed back, scoring nine runs across the sixth and seventh innings. The Mavericks took an 11-10 lead in the seventh on a fielder's choice, completing a stunning comeback.
MSU Denver responded in the eighth, as Vandine launched a go-ahead solo home run—his second of the game and team-leading 12th of the season—to give the Roadrunners a 12-11 lead.
Carter Swan shut the door out of the bullpen, tossing two scoreless innings to earn the win and improve to 7-1 on the season.
Vandine led the charge offensively, going 4-for-5 with seven RBIs and three runs scored, while Wicks added a 3-for-5 performance with two RBIs and two runs.
The win snapped Colorado Mesa's 24-game winning streak and handed the Mavericks their first RMAC loss of the season after entering conference play at 28-0. It also clinched the No. 2 seed for MSU Denver in the upcoming RMAC Tournament.
GAME TWO: #1 Colorado Mesa 13, MSU Denver 1
The Mavericks responded in Game Two, shutting down the Roadrunners 13-1 in a seven-inning contest.
MSU Denver was held to one hit in the game, as Colorado Mesa controlled the matchup from start to finish. Jake Syverson was charged with the loss, taking his first defeat of the season.
The Roadrunners will close out the regular season on Saturday with another doubleheader against Colorado Mesa, looking to build momentum heading into the RMAC Tournament next week in Grand Junction.
