MANKATO, Minn. – Behind a powerful offensive surge and strong pitching, the Minnesota State Mavericks claimed both games of Saturday's doubleheader against Southwest Minnesota State, winning game one 7-1 and cruising to a 14-6 victory in game two at Bowyer Field.

Game 1 – MSU 7 SMSU 1
In game one, the Mavericks jumped ahead early and never looked back. A three-run second inning, highlighted by a two-RBI single from leadoff hitter Matthew Fleischhacker, gave MSU an early cushion. Zach Stroh and Jake Berkland started the rally with back-to-back singles, setting the stage for Nick Baker's RBI groundout and Fleischhacker's clutch hit.

Fleischhacker had a standout game, going 3-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, a walk, and a stolen base. Aidan Byrne added a two-run home run in the fourth, extending the Mavericks' lead to 6-0. MSU's pitching was dominant, holding the Mustangs to just one run on six hits. Starter Nathan Culley threw five shutout innings, scattering five hits and striking out four before handing it off to the bullpen.

The Mavericks capped off their game one scoring with a run in the fifth, courtesy of a stolen base and error combination that allowed Stroh to cross the plate.

Game 2 – MSU 14 SMSU 6
Game two was all about offense. Junior outfielder Stroh went deep twice in back-to-back at-bats in the late innings, finishing the game 4-for-5 with five RBIs, three runs scored, and a stolen base. Minnesota State again struck early, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning off a series of singles by Fleischhacker, Byrne, Ike Mezzenga, and Lincoln Berry.

The Mavericks poured it on in the middle innings, pushing across five runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth. Stroh's first home run came in the sixth, a towering shot over the left-field fence to give MSU a 13-5 lead. He followed it up with another blast in the eighth, capping off a career day and locking in the Mavericks' 14-6 win.

Offensively, seven different Mavericks recorded hits in game two, with Mezzenga and Berry each adding multi-hit games. Fleischhacker and Byrne both continued their strong days at the plate with two more hits apiece.

"From the get-go it was two very commanding wins. Strong pitching throughout and defense carried us. Fleischhakcer had a outstanding day at the plate." said head coach Matt Magers. 

Tomorrow the Mavericks close out their regular season with one more game against the Mustangs at noon, but before that the Mavericks seniors will be celebrated at 11:45 a.m.