MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State (37-11, 29-6 NSIC) split a Friday doubleheader against Minnesota Duluth (18-31, 17-20 NSIC), earning an 11-0 shutout win in game one before falling 11-7 in game two at Bowyer Field.
Game 1 – Minnesota State 11, Minnesota Duluth 0
The Mavericks opened the day with a dominant performance, tallying 13 hits, including three home runs and four doubles.
Minnesota State broke things open in the third inning, starting with a two-run home run to left center from
Jake Berkland that scored
Ethan Bowers.
CJ Trask followed with an RBI single to plate
Cole Yearsley, extending the early lead.
The Mavericks added on in the fourth when Bowers launched a three-run homer after
Pambos Nicoloudes and
Charlie Schau reached via walks. In the fifth,
Louis Magers delivered a two-RBI single up the middle, scoring Yearsley and Trask to push the lead further out of reach.
Daniel Zang earned the win on the mound, tossing four scoreless innings with five strikeouts.
Nick Johnson closed the door with three innings of one-hit relief, striking out three to preserve the shutout.
Berkland finished with two hits and two RBI, while Yearsley recorded three hits, including two doubles, and scored three times. Magers drove in four runs, and Bowers added a home run and three RBI in the win.
Game 2 – Minnesota State 7, Minnesota Duluth 11
The Mavericks couldn't complete the sweep in game two, falling 11-7 despite hitting two home runs and recording nine hits.
Cole Yearsley led the offense with three hits, including a home run, and three RBI.
CJ Trask added a solo homer and scored twice, while
Logan Miller contributed an RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base.
Brandon Vlcko chipped in with two hits and a run scored.
Gannon Reidinger started for Minnesota State, allowing five runs (one earned) over three innings.
Chas Melvin followed with 2.1 innings, giving up four runs, while
Ben Irsfeld allowed two runs in 1.1 innings.
Lucas Tolle and
Ben Llewellyn combined for two scoreless innings out of the bullpen.
Minnesota State closes regular season play Saturday at Bowyer Field, with first pitch against Minnesota Duluth set for noon.
