JOPLIN, Mo. --- Senior Ryan Wickman powered Minnesota State (1-2) over Northwest Missouri State (6-5) with his third home run on the day to walk-off the Bearcats' in a Sunday night thriller.

Wickman gave the Mavericks' a jump-start in the first inning after registering his first bomb on the day, bringing home junior Aidan Byrne which provided MSU an early two-run lead. After the Bearcats tied the game in their half of the second frame, Wickman responded with his second homer on the day to left-center field to take back Minnesota State's advantage, 3-2.

In the Mavericks half of the fifth inning, Byrne introduced himself to the left field fence launching a solo shot for his first homer of the year which reclaimed Minnesota State's two-run cushion.

After exchanging runs in the sixth tying the game at five, senior Ryan Wickman demolished his third home run in the bottom of the ninth sending the Mavericks home with their first win of the 2024 season.

Junior Mitch Gutknecht (1-1) collected the win after taking over for sophomore Louis Magers who went 5.2 innings while registering three strikeouts. Magers and Gutknecht combined for six strikeouts and only two walks through nine innings of work.

"This was a great overall team win with solid pitching from Magers and Gutknecht," head coach Matt Magers stated. "Wickman is capable of a three home run performances in any given game. He showed why he is one of the most talented hitters in the nation."

Minnesota State is back in action against the University of Mary for a four-game series with action starting on Friday at 2 p.m. from Elkhorn, Nebraska.