SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minnesota State Baseball split Saturday's doubleheader against Augustana at Ronken Field, winning game one 6-5 before falling 5-4 in game two.

Game 1 – MSU 6 AU 5 (7 innings)
The Mavericks jumped ahead early in the first inning of game two when Ike Mezzenga crushed a two-run homer to right field. Augustana quickly responded, plating three runs in the bottom half to take a 3-2 lead.

The Vikings tacked on another in the second, but Minnesota State clawed back. A solo home run by Louis Magers in the fourth trimmed the deficit to 4-3, and a groundout RBI by Magers in the fifth tied the game at four.

After Augustana briefly regained the lead, MSU surged ahead for good in the sixth inning. A clutch two-out single from Matthew Fleischhacker drove in two runs, putting the Mavericks up 6-5.

Ean DiPasquale shut the door, retiring the side in the sixth and seventh innings to lock up the win for Minnesota State.

Game 2 – MSU 4 AU 5 (9 innings)
After a scoreless first three innings, Augustana struck first in the third with an RBI. Minnesota State answered in the fourth, tying the game 1-1 when Magers scored on a fielder's choice. The Mavericks grabbed the momentum in the fifth, as Magers launched a two-run homer to center field, giving MSU a 3-1 lead. They extended their lead to 4-1 in the sixth when Zach Stroh scored on an RBI single from Jake Berkland.

Augustana responded in the bottom of the seventh. After a pair of singles and a walk loaded the bases, Augustana delivered again with a two-run infield single. Two defensive errors by Minnesota State allowed two more runs to cross, giving Augustana a 5-4 lead.

The Mavericks threatened in the later innings, including getting the tying run to second base in the ninth, but Augustana's bullpen held firm to secure the win.
Magers led the Mavericks offensively with a home run and two RBI, while Berkland added an RBI and drew two walks.

The Mavericks face the Vikings to finish out the series tomorrow afternoon at 12 p.m.