Denver, Colo.: (By Dylan Docker) Regis and Metro State got together for a Saturday doubleheader at the Regis baseball field to continue their four-game weekend set.

Runs were tough to come by as both pitching staffs looked sharp. The Rangers (13-15, 8-12 RMAC) scored a pair of late runs to claim the win in game one, but the Roadrunners (9-16, 6-13 RMAC) found some late offense of their own to salvage the nightcap.

Game One – Metro State 1, Regis 3

Senior right-hander Mike McElreath got the start for Regis in game one. Metro State countered with freshman righty Nick Hammett.

Sophomore designated hitter Tony Piazza tripled to lead off the second inning. He later scored on a fielder's choice from senior third baseman Dave Holland.

Regis led 1-0 until the fourth inning when Metro State senior Evan Claus struck the left field foul pole with a game-tying solo home run.

With junior catcher Nano Jacobsen on base, junior shortstop Cody Hastings broke the tie in the sixth inning with a double into left field. A Metro State fielding error allowed Jacobsen to score and Hastings to advance to third. Sophomore Jay Rollinson, who came off the bench to play right field in the top of the sixth, scored Hastings with a sacrifice fly.

McElreath shut down the Roadrunners in the top of the seventh to secure the 3-1 win for the home team. Regis won with three runs on five hits and one error. Metro State dropped the early game with one run on six hits and two errors.

McElreath (4-2) picked up the win in his third complete-game effort of the season. The Regis starter allowed one run and struck out eight in his seven innings of work. Hammett (1-4) took the loss for Metro State after allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings.

Junior second baseman Nick Billinger effectively reached base for the Rangers, collecting two hits and drawing a walk in four plate appearances.

Game Two – Metro State 4, Regis 3

The Rangers sent right-handed junior Kyle Mack to the mound for the nightcap. Freshman right-hander Mike Thill was given the start for the Roadrunners.

Junior center fielder Ryan Eustice put immediate pressure on Thill by leading off the first inning with a triple. Billinger then sent an RBI single up the middle to give the Rangers a lead after just two batters.

Billinger advanced to second on a wild pitch, then took third as catcher Robbie Nickels struggled to locate the ball. An RBI knock from senior left fielder Alex Haag brought home Billinger and gave the Rangers an early 2-0 lead.

Freshman first baseman Darryl Baca, who has played well for Metro State this weekend, continued his hot streak by plating a pair of runs in the third inning with a two-out single.

The game remained tied at two until the Roadrunners picked up the go-ahead run in the sixth. Billinger answered in the home half of the inning with another RBI single, bringing the score to 3-3.

Mack was lifted for a reliever after giving up a one-out double in the top of the seventh. Sophomore right-hander Alec Mielnicki entered the game looking to preserve the tie, but Metro State was able to push across the go ahead run and hold on for the road win.

The Roadrunners picked up their first win of the series with four runs on nine hits and two errors. The Rangers scored three runs on seven hits and three errors in the loss. Ty Jacobs (2-1) threw 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief to pick up the win for Metro State. Mack (1-3) was charged with the loss after allowing four runs (three earned) and striking out six over 6 1/3 innings.

Billinger rounded out a solid doubleheader by going 2-for-3 with two RBI's, a walk, and a run scored in the nightcap. Haag also played well in game two, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The Rangers will face the Roadrunners in the series finale tomorrow, April 1 at the Regis baseball field. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.