After a come from behind win Thursday night the Mavericks carried the momentum over to Friday night and would secure the series win but early errors in Saturday’s finale would cost Colorado Mesa University the series sweep.
Errors in the third inning on Saturday would come back to haunt the Mavericks. Jared Ure allowed eight unearned runs including a grand slam by Mayrand which would put the Sharks up by six after the throwing error by Harrison Rodgers. A Caleb Farmer error later in the inning would allow the Sharks an extra base but no further damage would be done at the time.
CMU pitching has been a question going into this season losing key players in both their starting rotation and in the bullpen. Who would we see in what roles? When would we see them? The Mavericks knew they would have Andrew Morris and Trevin Reynolds in the role of the teams game one and two starters, but who would get the third spot. The Mavericks gave the ball to the freshman Jared Ure on Saturday.
Reynolds had an excellent first start to the 2020 season reminding fans why he was handed the ball in the championship game last June. Reynolds pitched five shutout innings only allowing two hits with three strikeouts. He did not allow a walk through those innings as well.
Other sophomore relief pitchers like Josh Danyliw showed a very solid performance for five innings Thursday night. Gage Edwards was handed the ball after Reynolds shut out performance on Friday.
Frankie Fitzgerald and Garrett Tisdell both did what they needed to get done on the mound. Fitzgerald and Tisdall both closed out pitching for the Mavericks in Friday and Saturday games.
CMU got two transfer pitchers this offseason who both could make a big impact on the bullpen and the starting rotation. Anthony Durbano made his debut Saturday and threw an inning for the Mavericks and gave up two hits and one run. Blaine Junior College transfer Ryan Day has yet to make an appearance for the Mavericks but is hoped to have a big impact on the starting rotation or bullpen.
Two freshman got their collegiate pitching debuts on Saturday in the 7-11 loss. Kannon Handy and Cade Nicol also could be crucial parts of the bullpen as Handy was able to pitch out of the third inning after Ure’s eight unearned runs.
While the Shark offense kept adding to their lead, the Maverick offense could not catch up. Haydn McGeary had a read on Sharks pitching all afternoon as the sophomore catcher would hit two bombs to left field. One solo shot in the first inning that would give the Mavericks a short lead in the game and a three run shot that would cut the Sharks lead in the fifth to 5-8.
The Mavericks return home next weekend in the opening series at Suplizio Field to take on ranked Southern New Hampshire University. The three game series opens Feb.14 at 2:30 p.m.
