Box Score JOPLIN, Mo. --- #11 Minnesota State started its 2026 season off with a win Friday afternoon as the Mavericks defeated UIndy 2-1.
MSU now own a 1-0 record on the season, while UIndy drops to 1-4.
"Competitive game from the first pitch to the last. George and Nelson attacked the zone and kept them off balance all day," said Head Coach
Matt Magers. "Great execution offensively, we came up with big runs when we needed them. This win is a step in the right direction on multiple levels."
Junior
Sam George (1-0) earned the win as he allowed one run and four hits, in six innings while striking out five batters. Kaleb Marrs (0-1) took the loss as he allowed two runs on three hits, while striking out two. Senior
Brady Nelson picked up his first save of the season as he allowed just two hits in three innings of work, while striking out six batters.
The Mavericks struck first in the top of the first as they scored a pair of runs to go up 2-0. With one out, senior
Ethan Bowers coaxed a walk and then came around to score on an RBI-triple to center field from senior
Louis Magers. Junior
Marcus Beatty then drove in Magers with a sacrifice fly to center field to put the Mavericks up 2-0.
Minnesota State held its 2-0 lead into the bottom of the fifth as Maverick pitcher
Sam George set the first 10 UIndy batters down in order. In the bottom of the inning, a pair of Greyhound singles and a hit batter loaded the bases with nobody out. A walk to Brayton Bowen would plate the first run for the Greyhounds, but a double play via a lineout to shortstop and a strikeout would end the inning with the Mavericks still leading 2-1.
With MSU still leading 2-1 after six innings both teams went to their bullpens to close out the game. For UIndy, Drake Dowling and Griffin Hallahan combined to allow just two hits and three base runners on base in the final three innings. Nelson would allow a pair of base runners as well, but neither runner got past second base as he locked down the 2-1 win.
Minnesota State continues play in the MSSU Lion Classic on Saturday as it takes on McKendree at 3:00 p.m.
