GRAND JUNCTION – Home-standing and 25th-ranked Colorado Mesa capitalized on three Colorado School of Mines errors and used 14 hits to claim an 11-1 series-opening victory over the Orediggers on Friday at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction. 

Mines (5-9, 3-4 RMAC) was limited to seven hits during the outing by reigning RMAC Pitcher of the Week Matt DeLay (2-0), who held Mines to six hits over seven innings with three strikeouts. 

Sophomore Nick Vitulli (0-2) was hit with the loss after surrendering five runs (four earned) on seven hits in 3.1 innings of work. Nathan Smythe allowed two runs (both unearned) over 2.2 innings, Peter Herrin surrerendered two earned runs on three hits in 1.0 inning and Connor Lambert allowed two earned runs on two hits in an inning of relief as well. 

Freshman Cody Marvel led the offense with a 2-for-4 effort with a run scored, while senior Charlie Basil finished 1-for-4, including an RBI single through the left side in the second inning. 

Logan Smith (1-for-3), A.J. Schillinger (1-for-4), Nathan Fishel (1-for-4) and Derek Skrdlant (1-for-4) also contributed base hits during the game.  

An 0-for-4 effort by sophomore Nate Olinger snapped his 12-game hitting streak to start the season. 

The two squads will continue the series on Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. at Suplizio Field.