MANKATO, Minn – Minnesota State opens its season with four games against Northern State for its first conference series. On Monday, they will play at 10 a.m. at Gustie Baseball Field and on Tuesday they will play at ISG Field in Mankato, Minnesota at 3:30 pm.

Last Time on the Diamond:
MSU traveled to Warrensburg, Mo. to conclude last season as they fell to Central Oklahoma 2-0 going 37-20 overall.

Last year,  Sam George made a strong start for MSU with one run allowed over 7.0 innings.

George faced just three men in the sixth, but Pense was equally impressive for UCO. George surrendered four hits, walked one and struck out seven.

Other returning starting pitchers include Mitch Gutknecht (4.34 ERA), Spencer Wright (4.04 ERA), Louis Magers (4.32 ERA), and Nathan Culley (did not play in 2023-24).

The Mavericks return seven of nine starters in the field, including shortstop Aidan Byrne, who was named All-NSIC Second Team and NSIC Outstanding Senior of the Year.

Nick Baker is back behind the plate as a senior after starting 52 games last season. The Cloquet, Minnesota native held a .982 fielding percentage and caught eight baserunners stealing.

Matthew Fleischhacker (Woodbury, Minn.) returns at second base after appearing in 57 games for the Mavericks. He hit .288 with 14 doubles, and four home runs.

Minnesota State was picked to finish second in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll behind Augustana. The Mavericks are coached by Matt Magers. Magers is the winningest coach in team history and is in his 17^th season.

The Mavericks have qualified for the NCAA Tournament 14 times under his leadership. MSU is receiving national votes in the NCBWA Division II national rankings poll.

Taking on NSU:
The Wolves finished 2023-24 with a record of 18-31 (13-26 NSIC). The Mavericks went 3-1 against Northern State last season in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Dean Berry is in his 15^th season as head coach.

Last year, Drew Benson ended their season leading the Wolves offensively with a .385 batting average and OPS (1.502)

Redshirt senor Karson Hesser ended the season leading in RBI (42), total bases (93).