Davenport, Fla. --- Minnesota State has won back-to-back games for the first time this season after claiming a 4-2 victory over Wilmington on Saturday night at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex.
 
The Mavericks took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning over the Wildcats. Senior center fielder Joey Werner opened the inning with a single and senior second baseman got on base by way of a walk before junior first baseman Carter Elliott laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners up to second and third with one out. Senior designated hitter Ty Buck then ripped a single into center field, plating both Werner and Petersen. Junior catcher Ben Livorsi then singled and senior third baseman Tory Miller walked to load the bases. Sophomore shortstop Nick Altermatt hit into fielder's choice to drive in Buck for the third run.
 
Wilmington did not respond until the top of the sixth inning when the bases got loaded by a double, a catcher's interference and a walk. The unearned run was scored with two outs when freshman first baseman Jack McDonald was hit by a pitch to bring in senior designated hitter Dan Hyatt to score.

The Wildcats scored their other run in the top of the seventh inning by senior right fielder Eddie Nevins singling in sophomore catcher Brock Nowell with one out after Nowell walked with one out earlier in the inning. 

Minnesota State brought around an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning by Livorsi singling to open the inning, Miller moving Livorsi up on a sacrifice bunt and Altermatt doubling down the left field line to bring in Livorsi to score.
 
Altermatt led the way offensively for the Mavericks after going three-for-five with a double and two RBI. Werner, Buck and Livorsi also had multi-hit performances with Buck driving in the other two runs.
  
Junior right-hander Jimmy Larson (1-0) earned his first win of the season after pitching six innings and allowing one unearned run off two hits and five walks, while striking out nine Wildcats. Sophomore right-hander Kyle Nordby earned his first save of the season after closing out the next three innings by giving up one run on four hits and a walk, while collecting four strikeouts.
 
Senior left-hander Rudy Gervolino (0-2) picked up the loss after allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks with six strikeouts in five innings of work. Freshman right-hander Justin Brooks worked a clean sixth inning by allowing one hit and striking out one batter. Freshman right-hander Matt Warrington pitched the final two innings and allowed one run on three hits and also struck out two.
 
Minnesota State (4-3) will continue its play down in Florida with two games tomorrow, beginning with St. Cloud State at 9:00 a.m. EST and then facing No. 6 Ashland at 12:30 p.m. EST.