MANKATO, Minn.. --- Minnesota State (3-4, 2-2 NSIC) works sixteen free passes against the University of Mary (3-5, 2-2 NSIC) en route to an 18-8 victory Sunday afternoon splitting its series with the Mauraders.

UMary's pitching staff lacked control walking 13 batters and hitting three batters delivering the Mavericks their third win on the season. As a result, 10 different Mavericks recorded an RBI in today's game.

Minnesota State wasted no time as junior Aidan Byrne and senior Ryan Wickman each collected an RBI in the second inning off singles driving home senior Hunter Ranweiler and sophomore Matthew Fleischhacker giving the Mavericks a three-run lead. Wickman would tack on another run after stealing second, third, and home in the inning.

After the Mavericks added two more runs in their half of the fourth, the Mauraders responded with back-to-back home runs pulling UMary within two. UMary would continue to pressure the Mavericks in the sixth tying the game at eight after launching its third home run.

The Mavericks would reclaim the lead off sophomore Louis Magers' sacrifice fly in the sixth plating senior Adam Weed. The Marauders bullpen collapsed in the seventh allowing the Mavericks to score nine runs on one hit resulting in a 10-run mercy rule ending the game.

Junior Aidan Byrne highlighted the Mavericks offense going 4-5 at the plate while scoring three runs and three RBI and working one free pass on the HBP.

Sophomore Aiden McGee (1-0) picked up his first win of the year going two innings while adding three strikeouts in today's performance.

UMary's DJ Conteras was handed the loss going three innings allowing six runs on four hits while also registering four walks and three wild pitches.

"Gritty win after being ahead by seven, then tied, and eventually winning by a mercy rule," stated head coach Matt Magers. "Our depth was key in today's win."

The Mavericks are back in action this week as they travel to Davenport, Florida to compete in the 2024 RussMatt Central Florida Invitational. Minnesota State starts the tournament against Embry-Riddle University on Wednesday at 5 p.m. CST.