ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Minnesota State (25-19, 12-8) faced St. Cloud State (33-11, 14-3) in a doubleheader at Husky Stadium on Thursday, April 16, falling in both matchups with scores of 11-9 and 3-0.

Game 1 | Minnesota State 9, St. Cloud State 11
In the first game, Minnesota State fell to St. Cloud State in a tightly contested matchup, 11-9. The Mavericks' seven-run fifth inning highlighted their offensive output, but they were unable to overcome a late rally by SCSU, which included two runs in the eighth inning.

MSU took the lead in the second inning when the centerfielder, Maddie Helin doubled to center field, driving in Nyah Hulbert. St. Cloud State responded to tie the game at 1-1, and the score remained even after two innings.

The Mavericks regained the lead in the third inning as Carly Kimmes advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Chloe Brandt and scored on another sacrifice bunt by Gianna Lara, giving MSU a 2-1 lead.

The Huskies surged ahead in the fourth inning with five runs, highlighted by a two-run triple and a two-run home run, taking a 6-2 advantage.

Minnesota State responded in the fifth inning, beginning with Ysabel Lerma, pinch running for Avery Dorman, scoring on a double by Finley Anderson. Lara followed with a two-RBI double, while Hulbert added another RBI. Dorman capped the inning with a two-RBI double, giving the Mavericks a 9-6 lead.

St. Cloud State answered in the sixth inning with three runs to tie the game at 9-9. After a scoreless seventh inning, the game moved into extras. In the bottom of the eighth, SCSU secured the win with a two-run home run.

Hannah Tong pitched 2 innings, allowing one hit and three earned runs while striking out one and walking three. Maddie Oetzmann started the contest and threw 3 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and six earned runs with four strikeouts and six walks. Lucy Porter closed the game with two innings, allowing three hits and two earned runs.

The senior Lara led the Mavericks with three RBIs and a double. Hulbert scored twice and added two RBIs with a double. Dorman recorded two hits and two RBIs, while Brandt contributed a double and a stolen base.

Game 2 | Minnesota State 0, St. Cloud State 3
In game two, Minnesota State fell 3-0 as SCSU capitalized early. The Huskies scored all three runs in the first inning following two walks, a fielder's choice, and a three-run home run to right field.

Freshman Jorey Fry started in the circle for MSU, pitching 1 1/3 innings and allowing three earned runs. Oetzmann entered in relief and delivered a dominant outing, pitching 4 2/3 hitless innings with six strikeouts and two walks.

Despite strong pitching after the first inning, the Mavericks were unable to generate offense and were held scoreless through seven innings.

Brandt recorded a hit and a walk, while Lara reached base twice with two walks.

Minnesota State will return home to face Concordia-St. Paul on Sunday, April 19 at noon at the MSU Softball Complex.