WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Brett Pense threw 8.0 innings and allowed one hit as University of Central Oklahoma bested Minnesota State 2-0 Friday to eliminate the Mavericks in the NCAA Central Region Tournament at Crane Stadium.
 
Freshman Sam George made a strong start for MSU with one run allowed over 7.0 innings. Minnesota State finished the season 37-20 overall. Central Oklahoma (37-15) moves ahead in the tournament Saturday against Augustana or Central Missouri.
 
"It turned into a pitcher's duel, certainly something we didn't expect after yesterday's game," said head coach Matt Magers. "Their starter did a great job. He kept us off balance early in the game. We had some chances, hit some balls hard, just right at them. That happens in baseball. Even in the last inning, we had guys up and it just didn't work out. More times than not this year, our guys have come through and we've won a lot of close ones, just not today."
 
Scoreless through four and a half, Central Oklahoma scratched a run across in the fifth. Following a leadoff single and a sacrifice bunt, Ty Chapman singled up the middle for the Bronchos. George struck out his seventh batter to end the inning.
 
George faced just three men in the sixth but Pense was equally impressive for UCO. Ryan Wickman grounded a double down the third base line to lead off the seventh but it was the first hit of the game for MSU. Pense struck out Matthew Fleischhacker to strand Wickman on third.
 
George surrendered four hits, walked one and struck out seven.
 
"Unbelievable," Magers spoke about George. "He stepped up throughout the year and put his work in as a reliever. Then we gave him a start and now here he is pitching in this type of environment. It's a credit to him, his work ethic and his attitude. At the same time, I give a lot of credit to Nick Baker. The way he calls the pitches and keeps Sam calm during big situations."
 
Chapman tagged and scored in the eighth for UCO to make it 2-0. Valek Cisneros pitched the ninth after Pense struck out eight and allowed one hit, facing 26 hitters. Nick Baker led off with a single but failed to advance after a pair of flyouts.
 
Orlando Gonzales went 2-for-2 at the plate for Central Oklahoma with a run scored.
 
Making their 42^nd program appearance in the NCAA tournament, the Mavericks dropped a 12-10 game to No. 2 Central Missouri to open play Thursday.
 
"This time of the year, every team you play is good and bounces didn't go our way today," Magers said. "But this group of seniors have left it better than they found it and done a great job leading. I think our assistant coaches have also done well to put these guys in positions to be successful. This is probably one of the closest groups we've had and top-two academically as well. That's the hope is they leave here with good memories and relationships they can have for the rest of their lives."