Pack solved by Mesa State

The ThunderWolves came into the weekend series against Mesa State on a hot streak, winning five straight.  But in a pivotal series that may determine supremacy in the RMAC West, the Mavericks swept the Saturday doubleheader from the Pack, winning 4-3 and 10-8.

In both games, Mesa State jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, leaving the Pack to play catch up.  Also in both games, the ThunderWolves were tied or leading in the sixth inning.

In game one, the Pack held a 3-2 lead going into the bottom half of the sixth inning.  But a solo home run by Mesa State's Kristen Silva tied the game at three, and the Mavericks carried that momentum into the game's final frame. 

A leadoff error by the Pack's Kelly Purcell allowed Leslie Reed to reach, setting up a walkoff single by Meagan Hennessy that gave Mesa State come-from-behind win.

In game two, the Pack held a 7-5 lead going into the bottom of the sixth, but Mesa State responded with a three-run inning.  Four straight Mesa State batters reached, setting up a two-run single by Alissa Zoelle that tied the game at seven, followed by a fielder's choice by Silva that gave the Mavericks the lead to stay.

The losses drop the Pack to 16-13 overall and vaults the Mavericks to a tie atop the RMAC West with a 13-7 conference record.  The ThunderWolves languish two games behind Mesa State and Adams State with an 11-9 conference record, needing two wins Sunday to close the gap.

Sunday's games begin at 11 a.m. in Grand Junction.