ALAMOSA, Colo. – Adams State Baseball began the four game series against MSU Denver on Friday afternoon. Despite tough weather conditions, both squads battled in what was a tight series opener as MSU Denver held on for a 6-4.
The game stayed close throughout as the Roadrunners (13-7, 7-2 RMAC) got up early in the game, but after a snow and lightning delay the Grizzlies (6-17, 3-6 RMAC) shut down the Roadrunners which allowed them to get back in the game late. The surge fell short though as the visitors secured the two-run win
MSU Denver struck first as they scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Matt Malkin. Interestingly enough the run was able to score thanks to a catcher's interference and a balk.
The third inning brought more scoring for Metro as they had back to back solo home runs to bring the score to 3-0 in favor of MSU Denver. A third home run of the game for MSU Denver in the fourth bought another run in for the Roadrunners as Adams State was still mired in an offensive muck not being able to get the bats going.
The fifth inning saw the offense for both teams bring runs home as Metro hit yet another homerun and then followed up with a sacrifice fly for six runs total. Adams State was able to get on the board thanks to a two run homerun from
Billy Ryan to left field allowing Adams State to get back in the game.
After the fifth inning there was about a 40 minute delay which saw snow and lighting grace the Adams State campus. Adams State scored again in the bottom of the sixth off a single from
Orlando Romero to get the Grizzlies within three runs and a chance to play spoiler in game one.
In the eighth inning there were men on second and third with pinch hitter
Paul Giglio at bat he hit the ball to the right side and brought in a run on the groundout. That was all the offense that the Grizzlies could put together though and Metro State came away with the win, 6-4.
Adams State on offense was led by
Billy Ryan who had two RBI and a run scored.
Erik Hildebrandt also had two hits and a run scored to help try and get the comeback started.
David Maldonado started for the Grizzlies and struck out five batters. Helping the Grizzlies defense as well were the relievers.
Dominic Lomeli threw two innings of one hit ball and
Jamison Fuentes threw three innings of one hit ball with two strikeouts for the freshman's best outing of the year.
MSU Denver was led by Malkin who had two home runs, three RBI and two runs scored. Zach Paschke also had three hits, two runs scored and an RBI.
Austin Stone started and threw five innings with two strikeouts. TJ Egloff and Taylor Peterson also pitched well in relief.
Adams State and MSU Denver will be back in action tomorrow for a double header with first pitch set for 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively.
