Auburndale, Fla. --- Jordan Hart had four extra-base hits and either drove in or scored 11 runs as Minnesota State baseball defeated Lewis 19-7 in nonconference play on Thursday at Lake Myrtle Park.
 
After falling behind Lewis (3-7) 1-0 in the top of the first, the Minnesota State (5-4) offense erupted for 10 runs in the bottom half of the inning — starting and ending with Hart, a junior right fielder. Hart had an RBI double to make the score 1-1 and later had a three-run home run to left field that put the Mavericks up 10-2. 
 
Hart drove in two more runs on a double to center field in the third inning to make the score 13-1, and after Minnesota State scored three runs to start the fourth, Hart smashed a two-run triple to make the score 17-1. The Mavericks added on one more run in the fourth and another in the fifth to get to 19 runs. 
 
The Flyers were able to claw back with three runs in the fifth and one in the seventh, but were unable to cut the Maverick lead to less than 12 runs. 
 
Hart, who had a home run, a triple and two doubles, was a single shy of hitting for the cycle. Hart had a role in 11 Maverick runs – driving in eight and scoring three. 
 
Junior shortstop Luke Waldek, who was moved up to second in the batting order, continued his hot start to 2018 with three hits, one RBI, and four runs scored. Waldek is batting .517 on the season. 
 
Sophomore left fielder Ty Buck and junior catcher Tom Imholte, who entered the game as a pinch hitter, each tallied two hits. Buck had two RBI and scored a run, while Imholte scored twice. Imholte's hits were his first in a Maverick uniform.        
 
Senior right-hander Quinn Ahern (1-0) earned the win after limiting the Flyers to one run on three hits over four innings. Ahern struck out seven and did not walk a batter. 
 
Dalton Hottle (0-2) was charged with the loss after starting the game and allowing five runs – all earned – on three hits and two walks. Hottle recorded one out before being lifted from the game.   
 
Minnesota State begins Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play with a home-and-home series against Southwest Minnesota State on March 17 in Marshall, Minn., and on March 18 in Mankato, Minn. Doubleheaders are slated for 1:30 p.m., on both days.