SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Minnesota State Mavericks (38-12) opened the NSIC Tournament with a dominant 9-0 win over Minot State Beavers (26-24) Wednesday night at The Birdcage. The Mavericks powered their way to the victory with three home runs while the pitching staff combined for a shutout performance.
Minnesota State struck first in the opening inning after a Minot State error allowed Cole Yearsley to advance to third base. Brandon Vlcko capitalized moments later with a two-RBI single to give the Mavericks an early 2-0 lead.
The Mavericks added to their advantage in the fourth inning when Yearsley launched a two-run home run following another Minot State miscue. Minnesota State continued to apply pressure offensively throughout the contest, taking advantage of timely hitting and aggressive baserunning.
MSU put the game away with a five-run eighth inning. Pambos Nicoloudes opened the frame with a solo home run to left field before Jake Berkland and Yearsley recorded back-to-back hits to keep the rally alive. CJ Trask later added a sacrifice fly, and Louis Magers capped the inning with a two-run home run to right field, extending the lead to 9-0.
Minnesota State's defense remained steady throughout the night, holding Minot State scoreless despite eight hits. A key pickoff in the seventh inning helped halt one of the Beavers' best scoring opportunities and preserved the shutout.
Mack Crowley turned in a complete-game performance on the mound for the Mavericks. The right-hander allowed eight hits across nine innings while striking out four and walking one. Crowley threw 96 pitches, including 65 strikes, to earn his seventh win of the season.
Yearsley finished with three runs scored, two hits, and two RBIs, including a home run. Magers added two RBIs and scored twice with his eighth-inning homer, while Nicoloudes also homered and drove in a run for Minnesota State.
"It was a solid start to the tournament." said head coach Matt Magers. "On the mound, Crowley was in control all night, especially with runners on base. Defensively, we took care of the ball in a variety of situations, and offensively we found ways to score when we needed to, especially with two outs."
The Mavericks will face Winona State in the second round of the NSIC Tournament on May 7th at 3:30 p.m. CT at The Birdcage.
