WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – The Minnesota State Mavericks (11-1) delivered an explosive performance to take down Wayne State (Mich.) in seven innings, securing a 20-5 victory in the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational on Tuesday afternoon. 

The Mavericks wasted no time, putting up three runs in the first inning to take an early lead. Jake Berkland got Minnesota State on the board with an RBI double, followed by a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch and a sacrifice fly to make it 3-0.  

The bats stayed hot in the second inning, where Minnesota State tacked on five more runs. Ike Mezzenga drove in three with a double, and Louie Magers launched a two-run home run to extend the lead to 8-0. 

Wayne State responded with a run in the bottom of the second and then put together a four-run rally in the fourth. However, Minnesota State's offense proved too much to handle, answering back with six runs in the third, powered by another home run from Magers, along with a solo shot from Aidan Byrne. 

After a scoreless fifth and sixth inning for the Mavericks, the offense erupted again in the seventh. A six-run outburst, capped by a grand slam from Ben Palmer, sealed the game and put the Mavericks at the 20-run mark. 

Minnesota State's pitching staff held Wayne State to just five runs on 11 hits while striking out seven. Starter Mack Crowley picked up the win.  

"A nonstop offensive performance today, getting on base and scoring multiple ways throughout our lineup." said head coach Matt Magers. "Solid pitching and defense kept them in check and allowed our offense to score in multiple innings."  

The Minnesota State Mavericks wrap up the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational tomorrow as they face Wayne State again at 10 am CT.