Minnesota State shuts out Mustangs in double-header

Minnesota State’s softball team extended their winning streak to 10-in-a-row after completing the sweep of Southwest Minnesota State on Tuesday in Marshall. The Mavericks picked up two shutout wins over the Mustangs by scores of 8-0 and 2-0.

“It is always good when you can go on the road and get a sweep especially with the weather conditions of 30-plus mph winds and cool temps in Marshall,” said Head Coach Lori Meyer.

Game one of the double-header was an 8-0 victory for the Mavericks, and was led by another great game on the mound by Coley Ries. Ries improved to 21-2 on the year after striking out 11 batters and allowing just two hits in six innings.

Minnesota State got the scoring started quickly with Amber Kral doubling to left field and earning two RBI. Jess Meidl and McKenzie Paap scored the runs to put the Mavs up 2-0 early.

“In game one, we scored two runs right away and that really set the tone for us …as when we score first we are 35-1 this season,” Meyer said.

The Mavericks tallied another two runs in the third inning and ended with a four-run sixth inning to give the Mavs an 8-0 lead and the eventual win. Kral led the offense, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and Meidl was 2-for-3 with an RBI and three runs scored.

Minnesota State kept momentum going heading into game two, where they picked up a 2-0 victory. The scoring was at a minimum and the Mavericks did not get on the board until the fifth inning. Kral hit a single to right, with Thell and Paap coming around to score.

Libby Bemis got the win, pitching all seven innings. Bemis struck out eight batters while allowing four hits. She improves to 19-4 on the year.

With the victories, the Mavs improve to 40-6 on the year and 18-2 in the NSIC. They’ll be returning home for another pair of NSIC games with Northern State and MSU Moorhead.

“Northern State swept us last year at their field so we have unfinished business to take care of on Saturday,” Meyer noted.

Northern State will come to Mankato with a 25-18-1 record and a nearly split NSIC record at 10-9-1. MSU Moorhead will be entering the weekend 8-27 and 3-15 in the NSIC.

“We need to continue to play our game at our level offensively, defensively and pitching and trust our process and that we are prepared and if we do that this weekend we will achieve the outcomes we want on Saturday and Sunday,” explained Meyer.

Minnesota State plays Northern State starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday and MSU Moorhead on Sunday starting at noon in Mankato.