MANKATO, Minn. — The No. 2 seed Minnesota State Mavericks (37-12, 29-7 NSIC) open play in the NSIC Tournament on Wednesday at 6 p.m. CT against No. 7 seed Minot State (26-23, 20-18 NSIC) at the Birdcage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

With a win, the Mavericks will advance to face the winner of UMary and Winona State on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. CT. All tournament games will be streamed on the NSIC Network, with passes available for $10 per game or $30 for the full tournament.

Last Time on the Diamond

Minnesota State closed out the regular season by hosting Minnesota Duluth, taking one of three games in the series.

The Mavericks opened with an 11–0 shutout victory, powered by a 13-hit performance that included three home runs and four doubles. Jake Berkland and Ethan Bowers each homered, while Louis Magers drove in four runs. Daniel Zang earned the win with four scoreless innings, and Nick Johnson secured the shutout with three innings of relief.

In game two, Minnesota State fell 11–7 despite collecting nine hits and two home runs. Cole Yearsley led the offense with three hits, a home run, and three RBI, while CJ Trask added a solo shot.

The series finale saw the Mavericks drop a narrow 3–2 decision. Minnesota State took an early lead in the fourth inning but couldn't hold off a sixth-inning surge from the Bulldogs. Logan Miller recorded two hits and an RBI, while Cale Haugen delivered a strong start, allowing one earned run over five innings.

Scouting the Beavers

Minot State enters the tournament after winning two of three games against Sioux Falls to close the regular season.

The Beavers are led offensively by Cowen Meyer, who is hitting .325 with 51 hits, eight home runs, and 29 RBI. On the mound, Colton Bagshaw leads the staff with a 5–4 record and a 4.10 ERA.

Minnesota State holds a 23–11 all-time record against Minot State and swept the Beavers in their last meeting earlier this season.