MANKATO, Minn.. --- Minnesota State (4-4, 2-2 NSIC) downed Embry-Riddle University (7-5) by a final of 10-3 Wednesday evening in Davenport, Florida to open the 2024 RussMatt Invitational.

Minnesota State's offense got going in the top of the third when senior Hunter Ranweiler reached on a bunt single  and then advanced to third on walks by sophomore Matthew Fleischhacker and junior Aidan Byrne.

With the bases loaded, sophomore Louis Magers was hit by a pitch and junior Nick Backer reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Ranweiler and Fleischhacker and giving the Mavericks an early two run advantage.

In the top fourth, sophomore Tanner Thompson reached on an infield single and moved to third when senior Derek Kay reached on an error.  A wild pitch then scored Thompson as the Mavericks scored a run without the ball leaving the infield and pushed the score to 4-1.

The Maverick offense ripped open the game in the top of the fifth scoring five runs on four hits as the Mavericks scored runs in five consecutive trips to the plate.  Kay drew a leadoff walk to start the scoring before Ranweiler lifted a sacrifice fly to left field to score junior Zach Stroh who had earlier singled.  Fleischhacker – who went 2-for-5 with a pair of runs scored and two RBI – then doubled to right center to score Thompson who had reached on a walk.  

Junior Aiden Byrne then drove in Kay and Fleischhacker before senior Ryan Wickman drove in Byrne for the innings fifth run. 

Minnesota State would add its final run in the ninth when Ranweiler drew a walk and took second on a wild pitch before scoring on a single off the bat of Byrne. 

Junior Spencer Wright notched his first win on the season putting in six innings of work while allowing only one earned run while accumulating four strikeouts. 

Byrne went 3-for-4 from the plate in in the win while coaxing a pair of walks.  Wickman finished the night 2-of-5 as he joined Byrne and Fleischhacker as Mavericks with multiple hits. 

"We saw a plethora of guys contribute today both at the plate and in the field. Our depth was again key in today's win," stated head coach Matt Magers. We will look to continue to ride the momentum tomorrow in our second game with Embry-Riddle."
 
The Mavericks are back in action tomorrow at 5:30 CT to rematch Embry-Riddle in the second game of the 2023 RussMatt Invitational in Davenport, Florida.