MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State (28-8) used a three-run fifth inning to power past Augustana (28-12) with a 4-1 victory Thursday at Bowyer Field.
The Mavericks struck early in the first inning as Jake Berkland reached, stole second, and came around to score on an RBI single from Louis Magers to give Minnesota State a 1-0 lead.

After a quiet stretch offensively, Minnesota State broke the game open in the fifth. Berkland ignited the rally with a single and advanced on a throwing error. CJ Trask followed with an RBI single before Cole Yearsley delivered the biggest swing of the day—a two-run home run to right field—to extend the lead to 4-0.

Minnesota State's defense backed up the offensive surge, highlighted by a key double play in the seventh inning that halted an Augustana scoring threat.

On the mound, Nick Johnson turned in a dominant performance, tossing 8.1 innings while allowing just five hits and no earned runs. He struck out six and improved to 2-0 on the season. Chas Melvin entered in relief and secured the save, working the final two-thirds of an inning.

Augustana threatened in the ninth, loading the bases and scoring an unearned run, but the Mavericks held firm. A game-ending groundout sealed the win and preserved the 4-1 final.

Berkland led the Mavericks offensively with three hits and two runs scored, while Yearsley added a home run and two RBIs.

"After yesterdays two wins, it was important to come out and score right away." said head coach Matt Magers. "The fifth inning was really important for us being able to put up three runs, I am really proud of our hitters and how they battled. Nick Johnsons performance is the impressive thing about today, to be able to go out there and do what he did in this type of environment is really huge for our team." 

Minnesota State returns to action Saturday, April 18, hosting Minnesota Crookston at 3:00 p.m. at Bowyer Field.