Denver — Adams State put together one of its most complete offensive performances of the season Thursday afternoon, but a late rally by MSU Denver spoiled the effort in an 11-9 loss at the Regency Athletic Complex. 

The Grizzlies (10-21) controlled much of the contest, building an early lead and maintaining pressure at the plate throughout. Adams State scored in five different innings, highlighted by a three-run fifth and a three-run sixth that extended the advantage to 8-1.

Christian Altamirano paced the offense with a two-hit day and three runs scored, during game 1 of the four game series. Osaias Hinojosa continued his standout season, going 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs, including a key insurance run in the eighth inning. Macs Carrillo added two hits and an RBI, while Josh Parks delivered a clutch two-RBI double during the Grizzlies' fifth-inning surge. 

On the mound, Julian Garza was sharp in his start, allowing just one run over five innings while striking out four and keeping MSU Denver off balance early. 

After Adams State built its lead, MSU Denver began to respond late, scoring four runs in the seventh inning. The Grizzlies answered in the eighth with Hinojosa's RBI double to extend the lead to 9-6 and regain momentum heading into the final frame.

In the ninth, MSU Denver capitalized on a late opportunity, using a grand slam to take its first lead since the opening inning.

The Grizzlies finished with 11 hits and will look to bounce back during game two beginning at 12 p.m. tomorrow.