MANKATO, MINN. – The Minnesota State Mavericks (4-0, 4-0 NSIC) closed out their series against Northern State (0-4, 0-4 NSIC) in dominant fashion, securing a 15-3 victory in seven innings in the fourth and final game.

The Mavericks took an early lead in the first inning when Aidan Byrne scored on a groundout by Louis Magers, putting MSU ahead 1-0.

Northern State briefly tied the game with a solo home run in the top of the second, but Minnesota State responded with an offensive explosion in the bottom of the inning. Zach Stroh led off with a single, followed by an RBI single from Magers. Ben Palmer then launched a three-run homer, followed in succession by Jake Berkland and Brandon Vlcko each adding solo home runs to give the Mavericks a commanding 8-1 lead.

MSU continued to build on its lead in the fourth, tacking on three more runs, highlighted by Byrne's two-run double and an RBI single from Matthew Fleischhacker, extending the advantage to 12-1.

Northern State attempted to rally in the fifth, scoring two runs off a sacrifice fly and a bunt single, but Minnesota State quickly answered in the bottom half with an RBI double from Brady Jurgella, making it 13-3.

In the sixth inning, the Mavericks put the game out of reach with two more runs on a two-RBI single from Vlcko, pushing the lead to 15-3. Pitchers Mack Crowley, Ben Llewellyn, and the MSU bullpen held Northern State in check, sealing the run-rule victory after seven innings.

"For us to be successful throughout the year its going to take everyone, I was really impressed with the guys coming off the bench both pitching wise and position wise." Said Coach Magers.

Fleischhacker and Vlcko both finished the afternoon with three hits. Magers, Palmer and Vlcko posted three runs batted in apiece.

The Mavericks continue the season as they travel to Elkhorn, Nebraska this weekend to play the University of Mary on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.