GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Colorado Mesa needed to win a halted game from the night before and a game against the undefeated team in the tournament to stay alive and they did just that. The Mavericks defeated CSU-Pueblo 9-4 and MSU Denver 8-4 to force the 'if' game on Sunday.
 
After leading by just one after eight innings, Colorado Mesa exploded for five runs in the top of the ninth to secure an 8-4 win over MSU Denver.
 
Zach McLeod finished the game with three hits, two runs driven in and a run scored. He hit his 19^th double of the season in the fifth.
 
The Mavericks were outhit by the Roadrunners but played errorless defense. MSU Denver committed three errors which led to two runs.
 
Nick Cardinale was lights out on the mound for the Mavericks. Cardinale went seven innings and allowed just one run on eight hits, walked none and struck out nine to earn his fifth win.
 
Joey Capistran picked up his fifth save of the season.
 
In the conclusion of the halted game, Colorado Mesa scored four runs in the bottom of the second and tacked on five runs after to secure a 9-4 win over CSU-Pueblo in an elimination game in the RMAC Tournament.
 
Matt Allen resumed his start on the mound and didn't disappoint. Allen pitched five innings and allowed two runs on two hits, walked three and struck out one to earn his seventh win of the season.
 
CSU-Pueblo threatened in the sixth inning, scoring four runs but couldn't muster anymore.
 
The Mavericks were led offensively by Ben Chamberlin who ended up a double short of the cycle. Chamberlin was 3-for-3 with three runs scored and three runs driven in. He crushed a 1-0 pitch over the center field wall for a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
 
Bligh Madris finished 3-for-3 with two runs driven in.
 
The RMAC Championship game will be tomorrow at 12pm at Suplizio Field. Tickets will be reduced to $5 with all Moms getting into the game for free.