MANKATO, Minn. — The No. 16 Minnesota State Mavericks return home this week for a pair of key NSIC matchups, beginning with a midweek doubleheader against St. Cloud State before closing the regular season against Minnesota Duluth at Bowyer Field.

Minnesota State will host the Huskies (20-24, 16-15 NSIC) on Tuesday, with first pitch scheduled for 1:30 p.m., followed by game two at 3:30 p.m. The Mavericks will then welcome the Bulldogs (16-29, 15-18 NSIC) for a three-game series, opening with a doubleheader on Friday, May 1 at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., before concluding the regular season on Saturday at noon. All games will be streamed on the NSIC Network.
 
Last Time Out

The Mavericks are coming off a dominant three-game sweep of Northern State, winning by scores of 25-0, 13-0, and 13-2.

In game one, Minnesota State set the tone early with a seven-run second inning. Louis Magers opened the scoring with a solo home run, followed by a three-run blast from Pambos Nicoloudes. The offense continued to roll as Ethan Bowers and Nicoloudes homered in the third, combining for five RBIs in the inning.

The Mavericks added to their lead with home runs from Brandon Vlcko and Cole Yearsley, while continuing to capitalize on walks and errors. On the mound, Gannon Reidinger earned the win with three scoreless innings, while Brady Nelson tossed four hitless innings in relief to complete the shutout.

Nicoloudes led the offense with two home runs and six RBIs, while Vlcko and Yearsley each added home runs. The Mavericks hit six home runs in the game, one of their top power performances this season. Their season-high came earlier against Southwest Minnesota State, when they launched eight home runs in a single game.

In game two, Minnesota State secured a 13-0 shutout, highlighted by a 10-run fifth inning. The Mavericks drew 15 walks and turned those opportunities into runs, with Ethan Bowers delivering a grand slam to break the game open.

Daniel Zang pitched five shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out four. Ben Llewellyn followed with two scoreless innings in relief. Bowers led the offense with five RBIs, while Jake Berkland added two doubles and a stolen base.

In the series finale, the Mavericks completed the sweep with a 13-2 victory behind another strong offensive showing. Minnesota State scored five runs in the second inning, highlighted by a three-RBI double from Cole Yearsley and an RBI double from Magers.

The Mavericks finished with 16 hits in the game, including contributions from Ethan Bowers, who recorded a triple and two RBIs, and Logan Miller, who tallied three hits. Cale Haugen started on the mound with two hitless innings, while the bullpen combined for eight strikeouts to secure the win.
 
Scouting the Huskies

Kahler Key leads St. Cloud State on the mound with a 3.21 ERA over 47.2 innings, holding a 4-4 record while allowing 48 hits and 25 runs.

Offensively, Wilmis Castro leads the Huskies with a .374 batting average. He has recorded 58 hits, scored 36 runs, and driven in 37 RBIs, along with 10 home runs.

Minnesota State holds an 80-38 advantage in the all-time series, including a 10-1 win in their last meeting.
 
Scouting the Bulldogs

Henry Wilkinson leads Minnesota Duluth's pitching staff with a 3.86 ERA across 58.1 innings, posting a 4-6 record while allowing 62 hits and 32 runs.

At the plate, Gabe Richardson leads the Bulldogs with a .384 batting average, totaling 56 hits, 29 runs, 40 RBIs, and six home runs.

Minnesota State leads the all-time series 61-16, though Minnesota Duluth claimed a 13-6 win in the last matchup between the two teams.