Grand Junction, Colo. – Despite a gray February sky and temperatures barely cracking 40 degrees, hundreds of die-hard fans packed the stands at The Diamond on Thursday afternoon, turning Colorado Mesa University’s 2025 baseball season opener into a loud, proud celebration of Maverick pride.
Parents flew in from California, former players returned to their old stomping grounds, and locals who have held season tickets for over a decade braved the wind just to watch the first pitch. For many, nothing was going to stop them from being there when CMU took the field against CSU Pueblo.
Mavericks Drop Opener But Win Hearts in 11-9 Thriller
The game itself delivered exactly what fans came for: fireworks.
CMU exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back, holding off a late CSU Pueblo rally to win 11-9 in a contest that lasted nearly four hours. Freshman Ethan Nunez went 3-for-4 with a home run in his first collegiate at-bat, while transfer pitcher Kolby Felix struck out six in four innings of relief to earn the save.
“That first-inning outburst told the whole story: these guys can swing it with anybody,” said head coach Chris Hanks after the game. “We have power up and down the lineup, and when we get pitching like we did today, we’re going to be tough to beat.”
Families Travel Cross-Country Just to Wear the Maverick Colors
Scott and Lisa Davidson flew in from Sacramento the night before specifically for Thursday’s opener.
Their son, true freshman infielder Brady Davidson, started at second base and ripped a double in his first plate appearance.
“I’m ecstatic,” Scott told reporters while wrapped in a Maverick blanket. “We wouldn’t miss this for anything. The energy here, the mountains in the background, the fans; it’s everything we dreamed of when he committed.”
Another parent, Ronda Nunes, whose son Ethan is a sophomore outfielder, echoed the sentiment.
“Win or lose, we’re here for every single game we can make,” she said. “These boys work too hard all winter for us to stay home because it’s a little cold.”
Former Players Return, See a Team Built to Compete for Omaha
JJ Almeda, who played for CMU from 2018 to 2021 and was part of the Mavericks’ 2019 World Series team, drove up from Denver just for the weekend series.
He likes what he sees.
“This is the most talented roster top to bottom that I’ve seen here,” Almeda said while standing along the first-base line. “They’ve got dudes who can mash, arms that touch 95, and a coaching staff that knows how to win in this league. If they stay healthy, they’re making noise in the regional.”
A Grand Junction Tradition That Refuses to Stay Inside
Longtime season-ticket holder Darcy has been coming to CMU games since 2013. She was bundled up in three layers Thursday but never stopped cheering.
“I come every year, rain, snow, or shine,” she laughed. “This gets me out of the house and reminds me why I love this town. Baseball is back, baby!”
For a program that has made four of the last six Division II College World Series, opening day always feels like more than just a game. It’s a community reunion, a promise of spring, and the first step on what many believe could be another special journey.
The Mavericks continue their opening homestand this weekend with a three-game series against Regis University, starting with a doubleheader Saturday at noon.
If Thursday was any indication, the stands will be rocking all season long.
