GOLDEN, Colo. – The Colorado Mesa University softball team split a Sunday doubleheader this afternoon against Colorado School of Mines at Joe Coors Field.
The Mavericks lost by a slim score of 3-1 in the opening game of the series before bouncing back in game two to emphatically win, 10-3.
The Mavs are now 8-10 overall while going 7-3 in RMAC play. The Orediggers move to 11-9 while still tying with the Mavs at 7-3 in the RMAC.
Below is a short recap of each game:
GAME 1 (MINES 3, CMU 1):
A total of only eight combined hits were managed in the series opener with the Mavs falling in a low scoring battle, 3-1.
The Orediggers tacked on a run in the first inning to lead early with them utilizing a first and third steal and taking the out in the run down for the runner on third base to score.
Colorado Mesa was able to tie it back up in the second inning on an RBI triple from Paige Pierce for their lone run of the game before Mines eventually took the lead again in the fourth.
The Orediggers recorded three of their four hits in that inning with a single and a triple doing the damage.
Past the second inning the Mavs were limited to just two hits the rest of the way while strong pitching from both teams kept each offense limited.
The Mavs were able to get a pair of runners on in the seventh inning to shake things up but saw their comeback chances end as a pop fly in foul territory closed out the game.
Sophia Tassinari was charged with the loss after going the first four innings and allowing just three runs (two earned) and four hits while striking out three.
Marisa Nehm pitched the final two scoreless innings while facing the minimum.
Of the Mavs' four hits, Kamdyn Hagerty led the team going 2-3 while Ava Stephens and Pierce each had one apiece.
GAME 2 (CMU 10, MINES 3):
After dropping a minimally offensive game to start the day, the Mavs responded with a 12-hit showing in game two to close out the doubleheader.
Prior to the Mavs taking the lead in the third inning, Mines jumped on the board putting up two runs in the first inning after starting the game with three hits and taking advantage of a wild pitch.
Colorado Mesa was able to tie it up and then lead it in the third to follow with them recording three hits also and using two Orediggers' errors to change the game.
During that frame, Makayla Westmoreland was able to bring in the first run after she scored on a throwing error by the short stop. She earlier reached base by leading the inning off with a double.
An Ava Stephens single was able to cause more chaos with the Mines' defense further throwing the ball around which led to Brynn Escobar scoring an error as well.
Khloe Kubitschek drove in the final two runs that inning on two RBI double to left center.
Escobar was able to add to the Mavs' lead in the fourth further with her driving in another run on single.
The Orediggers scrapped back a lone run in the fifth to bring it within a two-run difference but not before Colorado Mesa would close out their day with a five-run seventh inning.
The Mavs brought home three runs on passed balls and a wild pitch that inning with Cailynn Parsons scoring another run after stealing home when the Mines catcher forgot how many outs there were. Escobar brought in the final fifth run on a double.
Marisa Nehm continued her strong day in the circle pitching six innings while allowing just six hits and two earned runs. She now improves to 4-2 on the year.
Lacie Rodabaugh made her collegiate debut in the seventh inning to finish out the game while facing just four batters.
The Mavs recorded 12 hits in the game with three batters having multi-hit performances. Escobar led that group going 3-5 while Kubitschek and TK Landes each had two hits.
UP NEXT:
The Mavs and Orediggers will continue the series tomorrow when they take part in another double header starting at 11 a.m.
