Photo credit: photos.paap.net

ST. PAUL, Minn. --- Senior outfielder Jessica Meidl became the MSU all-time leader in stolen bases as Minnesota State blanked Bemidji State, 8-0, and, 5-0, on Friday afternoon at the West St. Paul Dome.

Meidl totaled two stolen bases on Friday to pass Tatum Klien (2013-16) becoming the MSU all-time leader in stolen bases with 105. The Lakeville, Minn., native also ranks first in career runs scored (182), second in career hits (277), tied for second in career RBI (154) and third in career games played (230).

In game one, Minnesota State (26-12, 7-7 NSIC) scored runs in each of the first four innings to blank Bemidji State (13-16, 2-6 NSIC), 8-0, in five innings. Freshman pitcher Mackenzie Ward (12-6) earned the win for the Mavericks tossing a game-high five strikeouts in a complete game. Freshman Stephi Dullum (7-8) takes the loss for the Beavers with four strikeouts.

Meidl set the tone for Minnesota State in the first inning with a RBI double to left center to make the score 1-0. The Mavericks added a couple unearned runs later in the frame from freshman Courtney Potter and sophomore Kennedy Rieck to increase their lead to 3-0.

Minnesota State continued to apply pressure notching two runs in the second and third innings to push its lead to 7-0. The stretch was highlighted by freshman Julia Bastian connecting on a single up the middle to send freshman Hannah McCarville home. The Mavericks sealed the 8-0 victory in the fourth inning after sophomore Amber Kral used a sacrifice fly to score sophomore Carly Esselman.

Esselman set the standard for Minnesota State with two hits, two runs and two RBI. Meidl chipped in two hits, one run, and one RBI. Minnesota State registered 10 hits as team in comparison to Bemidji State's one.

In game two, Minnesota State overwhelmed Bemidji State, 5-0. Ward got the start for the Mavericks and pitched a complete game with two strikeouts in the win. Sophomore Megan Pehrson (3-2) takes the loss for Beavers with one strikeout in a complete game.

Meidl registered the first run of the contest off the bat of an Esselman sacrifice fly to make the score 1-0. Following a scoreless second inning, Meidl grounded out to the shortstop which allowed Paap to add the Mavericks second run of the contest, 2-0.

Freshman Hailey Forshee cracked the game open in the fourth inning with a two RBI home run to left field. It was her third of the season and increased the Mavericks advantage to 4-0. Meidl put the game on ice with her third triple of the season which drove in Paap to make the score 5-0 in the seventh frame. 

Meidl led Minnesota State with two hits, two RBI and one run. Paap also contributed two hits, two runs and two stolen bases. The Mavericks connected on nine hits as a team in comparison to the Beavers four.

Minnesota State returns to action hosting Southwest Minnesota State on Tuesday. The doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m.