Winter Haven, Fla. — After dropping its first game to Ashland Saturday, 2-0, Minnesota State, ranked tenth in the nation, rebounded to defeat the Eagles in the second game, 4-3.

In MSU’s 2-0 loss, senior lefty Danny Miller started the pitchers duel for the Mavericks, going six innings, scattering five hits, giving up two earned runs (which both came in the fifth), no walks and five strikeouts.

Minnesota State was unable to the bats going in the contest, and left five on base. The Mavericks had three hits to AU’s five.

Senior catcher Steven Helget led the Mavericks at the plate, going 2-for-3.

In game two, Ashland jumped out to 1-0, with MSU taking a 2-1 lead in the second off of an RBI single from freshman infielder Todd Standish and a throwing error. Ashland held a 3-2 lead headed into the fourth inning, Miller hit a two-run single to give the Mavericks the, 4-3 win.

Senior infielder Zach Rowles led the Mavericks at the plate, going 2-for-3, while Miller went 1-for-4 with two RBI.

The Mavericks out hit Ashland, 6-4.

Senior right-handed Luke Putz earned his first win of the season, going six innings, giving up four hits, three earned runs, walking one and fanning four. Sophomore righty Mahlon Zimmerman threw the seventh inning and earned his second save of the season.

The Mavericks, 2-2 overall, will face #9 Grand Valley State tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m. (EST)

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