SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Minnesota State (19-7) showcased its offensive play in a doubleheader split against Sioux Falls (13-14) on Tuesday at The Bird Cage. The Mavericks dominated game one with a 13–6 win before falling in a back-and-forth 10–8 battle in game two.

Game 1: Minnesota State 13, Sioux Falls 6

The Mavericks' offense came alive in game one, piling up 13 runs behind a dominant performance from CJ Trask. Trask drove in six runs, highlighted by a three-run triple in the second inning and a three-run home run in the seventh to cap off the scoring.

Minnesota State wasted no time setting the tone, with Ethan Bowers contributing a two-run triple in the fourth inning while finishing with three hits and three RBIs. Jake Berkland added a home run and scored four times, while Louis Magers launched a solo homer and crossed the plate three times.

The Mavericks capitalized on key opportunities throughout, with Owen Sikkink drawing walks and Cole Yearsley adding pressure on the basepaths with a stolen base. Defensively, Bowers delivered a key outfield assist to halt a Sioux Falls rally.

On the mound, Daniel Zang earned the start, tossing four innings while allowing three earned runs and striking out three. Ben Irsfeld closed out the game, pitching three innings in relief with two strikeouts to secure the win.

Game 2: Sioux Falls 10, Minnesota State 8

In game two, Minnesota State blasted five home runs but ultimately fell short after a walk-off three-run homer by Sioux Falls in the bottom of the ninth.

The Mavericks jumped out to an early lead in the first inning with two-run home runs from Louis Magers and Cole Yearsley. Magers' blast marked his 45th career home run, setting a new program record. Yearsley stayed hot with a second home run in the third, while Pambos Nicoloudes added a two-run shot of his own.

Despite the early surge, Minnesota State was held scoreless over the final five innings, leaving the door open for Sioux Falls to rally.

The Mavericks had a chance to extend their lead in the ninth when Trask reached third, but a double play and flyout ended the threat. Sioux Falls capitalized in the bottom half, sealing the win with a three-run homer.

On the mound, Brady Nelson allowed four earned runs in just one-third of an inning. Cale Haugen and Kaeden Guida provided relief, but the Mavericks were unable to slow Sioux Falls' offense late.

Magers and Yearsley each finished with two home runs and three RBIs, while Nicoloudes added two RBIs in the loss.

"We played some good baseball today, but we weren't consistent enough across the board to come away with both wins." said head coach Matt Magers. "Credit to them, they battled back multiple times and found a way in the second game."

The Mavericks will face Bemidji State this weekend, with dates and times to be determined.