Box Score Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State freshman catcher #Kelly Wood’s# RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning provided the game’s only run as the host Mavericks downed Metro State, 1-0, to open the 2011 NCAA Central Region-2 Subregional.

Minnesota State presented the first threat of the game as junior rightfielder Melanie Upchurch led off the bottom of the first with a lead-off walk before being sacrificed over to second by junior leftfielder Lauryn Morris.

Metro State pitcher Julia Diehl used a line-out and a fly-out to get out of the inning unscathed.

In the top of the second, Metro State’s catcher Lauren Hainlen singled to shallow rightfield before centerfielder Molly Clark moved her to second with a base-hit to center. Maverick junior starter Kendra Huettl worked out of the jam as she got a strikeout and a foul-out to escape any damage.

Clark would hit a stand-up two-out double to rightcenter in the top of the fourth but was stranded as Huettl struck out first baseman Aubree Maul to end the inning.

Senior third baseman #Julie O’Neal drew a one-out walk and was replaced by sophomore pinch runner Eryn Edgerton#, who advanced to second with a two-out steal. Diehl used a pop-up to strand Edgerton as the game entered the fifth inning scoreless.

In the bottom of the fifth, MSU centerfielder Chelsea Erickson singled to open the inning before stealing second. Erickson became the first baserunner of the day to reach third as she moved up a base when junior second baseman Amanda Umhoefer sacrificed her over. Diehl continued to dodge trouble as she got Upchurch to pop out to third to end the inning.

Morris opened the bottom of the sixth with a bunt single to the pitcher before being thrown out at second on an attempted steal. Senior first baseman Natalie Spicer replaced Morris on the base paths as she was hit by a pitch but was erased on fielder’s choice, sacrifice bunt off the bat of O’Neal.

Freshman designated player Lindsay Erickson drew a two-out walk as MSU had multiple base runners for the first time all game setting the table for freshman catcher Kelly Wood. Wood delivered with an RBI single to center plating the game’s first run.

Diehl hit a double to rightcenter to open the top of the seventh before being replaced by pinch runner Kristen Gertner. Clark followed with a walk to give the Roadrunners runners at first and second with no outs.

Huettl would punch-out Maul and strikeout second baseman Sam
Talmich before reightfielder Danni Hedstrom drew a two-out walk bringing leadoff hitter Amber Roundtree to the plate with the bases loaded. Roundtree flew out to Umhoefer in foul territory to end the game and preserve the shutout for Minnesota State.

Huettl went the distance to earn the win, her 28th of the season against six losses. She scattered five hits and struck out 11 while issuing two walks and hitting a batter.

Clark was the only player from either team with a multi-hit game as she went 2-of-2 from the plate.

Minnesota State (49-12) will now play the winner of the Wayne State and Winona State Saturday at 11 a.m.. The winner of that game will advance to Sunday’s championship game while the loser will play a 4 p.m., elimination game.

To view the game stats, click HERE

Minnesota State's Postgame interview: