JOPLIN, Mo. — Minnesota State (3-1) outlasted Missouri Southern State in a 9-8 thriller at Warren Turner Field, powered by four home runs and timely hitting.

The Mavericks struck first in the second inning. Ethan Bowers singled through the left side to open the scoring before Jake Berkland drew a walk and Louis Magers added an RBI single to give MSU an early 3-1 lead.

Minnesota State extended its advantage in the fourth when Berkland launched a solo home run and Magers later scored on a sacrifice bunt to make it 5-1.

The Mavericks added to their total in the sixth as Berkland and Magers each connected for home runs, pushing the lead to 7-1. Missouri Southern responded with a six-run inning, highlighted by a ground-rule double and a two-run double, to tie the game at 7-7.

MSU regained the lead in the seventh when Magers delivered an RBI double to score Bowers. The Lions answered again to even the score at 8-8 heading into the eighth.

Cole Yearsley provided the difference, blasting a solo home run in the eighth to give the Mavericks a 9-8 edge they would not surrender.

Braden Grimm started on the mound for Minnesota State, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing four earned runs on three hits while striking out three. Brady Nelson earned the win in relief, throwing 3 2/3 innings and allowing four runs on four hits. He closed out the ninth to secure the victory.

"We jumped out to a big lead, they battled back, but I'm proud of the way we responded and found a way to win. Grimm threw really well in his first collegiate start and competed all day. The top of our order was a tough out, they set the tone offensively." Said head coach Matt Magers 

Berkland led the offense with three hits, including two home runs, and two RBIs. Magers finished with a home run, a double, and three RBIs. Yearsley added a homer and two RBIs, while Bowers collected two hits and scored twice.

Minnesota State returns to action Feb. 20 with a four-game series against Jamestown at Homefield Baseball Complex in Kansas City.