WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – The Minnesota State Mavericks (12-1) closed out the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational on a high note, securing a 6-1 victory over Wayne State (MI) (6-9) on Wednesday. The win marks the Mavericks' fourth of the tournament, finishing with a strong 4-1 record.

After four scoreless innings, the Mavericks broke through in the bottom of the fifth when Ben Palmer launched a solo home run to left field, putting Minnesota State ahead 1-0. A failed pickoff attempt later in the inning allowed Brandon Vlcko to advance to third, and a groundout from Zach Stroh brought him home, giving the Mavericks a 2-0 lead.

Minnesota State added two more runs in the sixth inning. The Mavericks capitalized on a passed ball that scored Louie Magers and an RBI double from Palmer, which extended the lead to 4-0.

Wayne State got on the board in the seventh when a groundout brought home a runner from third, making it 4-1. However, the Mavericks responded in the eighth, as Palmer delivered again with an RBI single before Vlcko stole third and scored on a sacrifice bunt by Brady Jurgella, sealing the 6-1 win.

Palmer led the Mavericks' offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored. Magers added a double and a run, while Aidan Byrne reached base twice and scored two runs. On the mound, Ethan Stade helped close out the game with a scoreless ninth inning.

"It was a classic pitcher dual, Hunter Day gave us a quality start and put our team in a great position to win. Offensively I was impressed with how we were able to score runs in various ways including the long ball and playing small ball." Said head coach Matt Magers.

The Mavericks continue the season as they host Minnesota Duluth for the home opener March 21—23 at Bowyer Field.