Colorado Christian lost their home opener on Friday to Colorado Mesa University by a final score of 2-0. The game remained deadlocked at 0-0 after nine innings of play, but Mesa was able to push two runs across in the 10^th inning and hold on for the victory. It was a great showing by the Cougars, as they were one clutch hit away from beating the fifth ranked team in the nation.
 
Both starting pitchers set the tone early on as they held both offenses in check to begin the game. CCU starter Ryan Erazo threw four shutout innings giving up only two hits and striking out two. Erazo was relieved by Danny Graves who followed up with three more shutout innings as he only allowed two hits and struck out two. Heading into the eighth inning the game was still tied 0-0. Alex Ginn came in to pitch starting in the eighth inning and he picked up right where Erazo and Graves left off.
 
Heading into the bottom half of the ninth inning, neither team had been able to score. Brandon Hesselberg lead off the ninth inning with a walk which was followed by Austin Atkerson who laid down a sacrifice bunt which was misplayed by the Mavericks first baseman to allow both runners to be safe on the play. Weston Wiederhold laid down another sacrifice bunt which allowed both runners to advance on the play. Pete McWilliams was intentionally walked which loaded up the bases with only one out, and gave Colorado Christian a chance for the walk-off victory. Unfortunately it was not meant to be as the next two Cougars struck out to end the inning and send the game into extras.
 
The 10^th inning was one to forget as CCU had three errors which allowed Mesa to score the only two runs in the game. It was a game that was within reach for CCU, but they could not pick up the key hit to put them out in front. Despite the loss, it should provide motivation for the team moving forward, as they now know that they can compete with the best teams in the nation.

Branden Amenta had a good day at the plate as he was able to pick up two of the four CCU hits on the day including a blistering double to left center.
 
The loss drops the Cougars record to 5-9 on the year, and 0-1 in conference play. They will be back in action on Saturday for doubleheader action as they will be facing off against Mesa in games two and three of the four game series. First pitch for the first game is scheduled for 12 PM MST.  

DNL