Photo Credit: Paap.photos.net
MANKATO, Minn. --- The #21 Minnesota State softball team swept Augustana, 4-0, and, 5-3, Saturday afternoon at the MSU Softball Diamond.
With the wins, the Mavericks improve to 26-4 (4-0 NSIC) while the Vikings fall to 17-9 (2-2 NSIC) on the season. MSU opens NSIC play with back-to-back sweeps.
In game one, Minnesota State blanked Augustana, 4-0. Senior pitcher
Coley Ries (13-2) earns the win tossing a complete game with nine strikeouts. Lexy Pederson (9-4) picks up the loss after throwing six innings with two strikeouts.
The Mavericks got the scoring started in the second inning after a
Alyssa Rickels RBI double to center field sending
Cori Kennedy home for the 1-0 edge.
Samantha Buhmann connected on a RBI double to allow
Jess Meidl to score, 2-0, in the third innning.
After a scoreless fourth inning,
Amber Kral launched a two run RBI home run to center field making the score 4-0. It was her ninth home run of the season which leads the NSIC.
The Mavericks totaled nine hits with Buhmann and Kennedy setting the pace with two hits each.
In game two, Minnesota State grinded out a 5-3 win over Augustana. Junior pitcher
Libby Bemis (13-2) earns the win pitching five innings. Olivia Walters (7-4) takes the loss after completing six innings.
Augustana took control of game early with a two run RBI home run in the first inning to make the score 2-0. The Vikings notched their second home run of the game with shot to left field, 3-0, in the third inning.
Rickels got the Mavericks on the scoreboard, 3-1, after stealing third then scoring a unearned run after a throwing error. Minnesota State stole the momentum with a
Ashley Thell grand slam to center field to capture the lead, 5-3. It was her second home run of the season.
The Mavericks notched four hits while the Vikings posted three. Additionally, Minnesota State made one error in comparison to Augustana's two.
Minnesota State will return to action tomorrow vs. Wayne State. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.
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