The Mavericks were able to get the 9-8 victory over Metro State University-Denver (MSUD) as Haydn McGeary delivered two two-run home runs.
The junior designated hitter has been a big part of the Mavericks success this season and continued to see the ball in a pivotal series for both teams.
McGeary’s first two run home run of the game came in the fifth inning and put the Mavericks within one run of the Roadrunners. Sophomore infielder Harrison Rodgers scored on the play for Colorado Mesa University (CMU). Rodgers would be on base again in the sixth as McGeary’s home runs would be in back to back innings.
The designated hitter would end his night going 2-3 with four RBIs.
Rodgers had a solid night himself as he went 3-4 with three RBIs. In the sixth before coming around to score on McGeary’s homerun, he was able to single to right field allowing seniors outfielder Johnny Carr and infielder Chase Hamilton to score. Rodgers’ single allowed CMU to regain the lead.
This would be the first lead CMU had since the first inning when Rodgers scored on a wild pitch by Reichie Arcilise.
Rodgers would double in the eighth allowing Hamilton to score the Mavericks eighth run. Senior infielder Jordan Stubbings was up to the plate and reached on a fielder’s choice when Rodgers scored the Mavericks final run.
After the game, McGeary talked about what it is like to be able to hit in the top half of the lineup with guys like Rodgers and Farmer.
“Harrison has a great approach at the plate and he, Farmer and I all talk quite often about what we see from a pitcher and help to relay information to other guys that are after us. We all love hitting and I think sharing that passion to dominate at the plate helps all three of us make each other better,” McGeary said.
The Mavericks have been able to show the depth of their lineup all season and it showed Friday night as the team had 11 hits and everyone up and down the lineup contributed to the successful night.
“It makes life so much easier as a hitter because I know even if I don’t get the job done someone hitting behind me will and that allows you to be confident and hit with no pressure,” McGeary said.
The Roadrunners were not going to go down without a fight and that was apparent from the start.
After CMU scored in the first, Bill Ralston answered immediately with a single up the middle that scored Cody Schultz. Ross Smith then was able to hit a sacrifice fly to score Caleb Albuagh.
In the fourth, Chase Anderson got in on the action and was able to hit a two run home run that would put his team up by three runs. The Roadrunners did not score again until the seventh inning where the tables turned in the game and they were trying to catch up to the Mavericks.
Colin Stone grounded out to Rodgers but this allowed Anderson to score. Now only down by two, Shultz flew out letting Cam Yuran to score. Ralston came up big time for the Roadrunners as he was able to tie the game with a solo home run to right field.
Looking to comeback and win, Shultz was able to single up the middle scoring former Maverick Tanner Garner.
The Mavericks offense was not the only part of the team that was locked in and ready to battle for the win Friday night. Sophomore left handed pitcher Kannon Handy got the ball and went five solid innings for CMU. He gave up five hits and six runs while walking six batters but struck out five.
Senior Dave Henderson got his third win of the season as he was able to pick up two and two third innings of work after Handy’s night was over. Henderson struck out four batters while giving up two runs on four hits.
The highlight of the Roadrunners pitching staff came from Eric Cox who came in for the final one and two third innings of the game. Cox has been steller out of the pen for his team and even though he came in in a non-save situation was dominant as ever. Cox was able to strike out three while giving up zero hits.
The Mavericks and Roadrunners will meet again on April 9 in a doubleheader that will begin at 3 p.m.
