LAKEWOOD, Colo. – MSU Denver's RMAC Tournament run came to a close Friday afternoon as the Roadrunners were edged by No. 2 seed CSU Pueblo 1-0 in a tightly contested semifinal matchup at All-Star Park.
In a pitcher's duel from start to finish, the lone run of the game came in the third inning when the ThunderWolves connected on a solo home run that ultimately proved to be the difference.
Despite the loss, junior pitcher Natalie Romero turned in another outstanding postseason performance for the Roadrunners. The right-hander tossed six innings, allowing just one run on two hits while striking out three batters and keeping MSU Denver within striking distance throughout the afternoon. Romero was charged with the tough-luck loss after another strong outing in the circle.
CSU Pueblo's ace and RMAC Pitcher of the Year narrowly outdueled the Roadrunners, limiting MSU Denver to just one hit across the seven-inning contest.
That lone hit came off the bat of Victoria Pearson, who drilled a single to account for the Roadrunners' only base knock of the afternoon. Despite the limited offense on both sides, MSU Denver continued to battle and kept pressure on the ThunderWolves late into the game.
The turning point came in the bottom of the third inning when CSU Pueblo's solo shot broke the scoreless tie. From there, both pitching staffs settled in, with neither team recording more than two hits in the contest.
Romero helped keep the game within reach by working efficiently through the middle innings and stranding multiple runners, while the Roadrunner defense continued its strong postseason play behind her.
MSU Denver now sits at 36-20 overall and will await Monday's NCAA Selection Show to see if the Roadrunners can earn an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament field.
