Photo credit: photos.paap.net
MANKATO, Minn. --- The #18 Minnesota State softball team swept NSIC leading Winona State, 1-0, and, 5-2, Tuesday afternoon at the MSU Softball Diamond.
The Mavericks, 34-6 (12-2 NSIC), have won their last four games. The Warriors fall to 31-8 overall and 12-2 NSIC on the season.
In game one, Minnesota State edged Winona State, 1-0. Senior pitcher
Coley Ries (18-2) threw a complete game with 10 strikeouts while allowing only two hits. McKenna Larsen (14-3) picks up the loss after throwing one strikeout and allowing six hits.
The Mavericks wasted little time getting on the scoreboard as
Samantha Buhmann connected on a RBI single to center field which would send home
Ashley Thell for what would end up being the game-winning run. Minnesota State took a early 1-0 advantage.
Winona State threatened to steal the lead in the top of the third inning but were not able to capitalize and left two runners on base after a fly out and a Ries strikeout.
The Mavericks totaled six hits as Buhmann set the pace with a game-best two hits and one RBI.
In game two, Minnesota State dispatched Winona State, 5-2. Junior
Libby Bemis (16-4) earns the win after pitching four innings with two strikeouts while throwing the Mavericks out of two bases loaded situations. Jordyn Kleman (11-5) takes the loss after posting two strikeouts and allowing seven hits.
The Warriors got off to fast start following a RBI triple to left center to take a early 1-0 lead. Following a scoreless second stanza, Thell cracked the game open with a grand slam to left center to take a 4-1 lead. It was her fifth home run of the season. Minnesota State added one more run as Buhmann doubled to right center sending
Amber Kral home in the bottom of the third, 5-1.
Winona State looked to rally in the fifth inning after scoring a unearned run, 5-2. However, Ries was called upon to close out the win and make her second save season in which she notched six strikeouts while allowing one hit.
Minnesota State posted seven hits with seven Mavericks registering a hit.
Minnesota State continues its six-game homestand on Friday against Minnesota Crookston. The doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.
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