MANKATO, Minn. – No. 8 Minnesota State baseball is set to host the Bemidji State Beavers in a pair of doubleheaders this weekend at Bowyer Field. Saturday's games are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., while Sunday's contests will take place at Noon and 2 p.m. 

Last Time on the Diamond:  

Minnesota State enters the weekend following a midweek split with Winona State. In game one, the Mavericks posted eight runs in the first inning alone. Zach Stroh sparked the offense with a two-RBI double, while Aidan Byrne and Nick Baker also delivered multi-RBI performances. The Mavericks added to their lead with three runs in the fifth and two more in the seventh, securing a 15-6 win in seven innings. Stroh finished with three hits and three RBIs, while Louis Magers chipped in a two-run double. 

Game two saw a competitive battle. The Mavericks jumped out to a 2-0 lead thanks to Magers and a timely RBI single from Lincoln Berry. However, the Warriors responded with three runs in the fifth to take the lead. MSU tied it in the ninth, but Winona State walked it off in their half of the inning with an infield single to win 6-5. 

Ike Mezzenga continues to lead the Mavericks offensively with a .422 batting average, 14 home runs, and 50 RBIs. On the mound, Nathan Culley has been dominant with a 2.25 ERA and a perfect 7-0 record. 

Scouting the Beavers:  

Bemidji State comes into the series with a 3-23 overall record and a 2-18 mark in conference play. The Beavers faced Sioux Falls last weekend, winning one of four games. They are led by head coach Matt Ellinghuysen, in his seventh season with the Beavers. Zach Evenson is the team's top hitter with a .238 average, six home runs, and 14 RBIs. Brandon Lind leads the pitching staff with a 4.78 ERA and a 2-3 record.