MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State (24-12, 20-6 NSIC) split today's doubleheader against the University of Sioux Falls (21-16, 14-13 NSIC) Wednesday afternoon in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The Mavericks fell to the Cougars in game one by a final of 5-3 despite the Mavericks scoring first in the top of the third off a junior Zach Stroh RBI double which scored senior Ryan Wickman and sophomore Matthew Fleischhacker. This was only the fifth time this season Minnesota State fell short after scoring first (17-5).

Similarly, despite scoring first, the Mavericks found themselves down 3-1 in the bottom of the second inning. Minnesota State found offensive traction in the top of the third scoring four runs to take the lead.

Junior Aidan Byrne led off the inning with a single and later moved to third on his 14th stolen base of the season. After the next batter sophomore Matthew Fleischhacker worked his team-leading 39th walk on the season, USF's pitcher bulked allowing both base runners to move into scoring position for senior Ryan Wickman. Wickman would seize the opportunity driving home both runs on an RBI double tying the game at three.

Sophomore Louis Magers would round out the third-inning thriller with an RBI single to center field scoring Wickman and Stroh giving the Mavericks a 5-3 lead.

The Mavericks would pull away from the Cougars in the top of the fourth following home runs from freshman Chayton Fischer (1)  and Wickman (7).

Minnesota State would go on to win 10-4 with the help of junior Jake Matthaidess (3-2) who threw five innings of relief allowing one run on three hits while collecting two strikeouts.

"I was impressed how we battle back in both games today," head coach Matt Magers stated. "Fischer, Magers, Wickman, and Baker showed off their pop at the plate while Matthaidess stepped up in relief giving us five quality innings."

Minnesota State is back in action on Saturday to host Minnesota Crookston in a three-game series at Bowyer Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.