MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State (24-16, 11-5 NSIC) faced off against Augustana (18-19, 11-5 NSIC) in two games at the MSU Softball Diamond on Friday, April 10, suffering defeats in both contests. In the first game, Minnesota State fell 7-3, while the second game ended in an 8-0 loss.
Game 1 | Minnesota State 3, Augustana 7
In the first game, the Mavericks collected eight hits, including a home run by first baseman Gianna Lara, who hit her eighth home run of the season and currently leads the Mavericks in that category. Augustana took an early lead in the first inning with a single, bringing home its first run. The Mavericks responded with a single from
Finley Anderson, but a double play ended the inning without a score, leaving the score at 1-0 after the first inning.
The Vikings capitalized on two errors and multiple hits in the third inning to score four runs, extending their lead to 5-1. Maddie Helin scored for the Mavericks on a single from shortstop
Chloe Brandt. The Mavericks attempted a comeback in the fourth inning with Lara's home run and another run brought in by Helin's bunt single, making it 5-3. However, Augustana added two more runs in the sixth, grounding out to bring in one run and hitting a double for another, concluding the inning at 7-3.
The seventh inning saw no change in the scoreboard as MSU was unable to score again. Junior Maddie Oetzmann pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and five runs, though only one was earned. She struck out three batters and hit one while throwing a total of 69 pitches. Oetzmann was credited with the loss, moving her record to 10-6 for the season. Lara contributed with her home run and one RBI, while Helin collected two hits, one run, and one RBI. Brandt recorded a hit and an RBI, and
Izzy Hycnar reached base with a double, scoring one run.
Game 2 | Minnesota State 0, Augustana 8
In the second game, Augustana dominated with a decisive seven-run second inning, capitalizing on an error and a series of hits for an 8-0 victory. This inning featured a two-run homer and two RBI doubles, leaving the score at 7-0 by the end of the second. The Vikings added one more unearned run in the sixth inning following a single and a throwing error, concluding the game at 8-0.
Minnesota State's offense struggled, held scoreless throughout the game despite singles from Brandt and Anderson in the third inning. Hannah Tong pitched four innings, allowing three hits and one unearned run while striking out two and walking four.
Jorey Fry faced challenges in her 1 2/3 innings, giving up five hits and seven unearned runs, including a home run. Oetzmann pitched for 1/3 of an inning, surrendering two hits without allowing any runs.
MSU's next game will take place Saturday, April 11 at noon CT when they host Wayne State at the MSU Softball Complex - The Diamond in Mankato, Minn.
