RIVERSIDE, Calif. – In what is arguably the most anticipated series in NCAA Division II this week, fourth-ranked Colorado Mesa came out and grabbed a 9-1 victory over No. 28 California Baptist University to open things up Thursday night at Totman Stadium.

Colorado Mesa remains undefeated at 4-0 this year, while CBU slips to 5-2.
 
The Mavericks took advantage of extra chances on offense and managed to hold the Lancers' bats in check. CBU was led by a 2-for-2 game from Alec Morabito and a 2-for-3 night from Andrew Montoya. 
 
Halfway through the game, the Lancers had a response for a two-run top of the fourth from CMU. Antonio Chavarria cut the deficit in half, 2-1, with a full-count, run-scoring single into right field, despite the Mavericks grabbing two outs. Morabito set the table with a bloop single to center field and Montoya sacrificed him into scoring position.
 
CBU would come no closer, as Colorado Mesa added three more runs in the seventh and its final four in the ninth. The Mavericks were backed by five solid innings from JR McDermott, who allowed five hits, three walks and one run.
 
Friday is a nine-and-nine inning doubleheader in the series, with first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m. at Totman Stadium. The four-game set comes to an end Saturday at noon.