Maverick baseball splits doubleheader against Augustana
Brady Olson
Staff Writer
The MSU baseball team played an evening doubleheader against Augustana University Wednesday, losing the first game 5-2 before winning the second game 6-3.
In the first game, MSU got off to a good start, as an RBI single from junior Teddy Petersen would score senior Tom Imholte, giving the Mavericks a 1-0 advantage through the top of the first. In the bottom of the inning, that lead would be erased as Augustana would put up two runs. Both runs would go as unearned, due to a throwing error from freshman shortstop Nick Altermatt.
In the bottom of the second, Augustana would extend their lead by one. However, MSU would be able to make up the run, as Altermatt would score on a wild pitch after leading off the inning with a double. The Mavericks threatened to tie the game in the inning, but would fail to bring the run in.
The game would go quiet until the bottom of the fourth, when an error and a single would give Augustana two runners on and no outs. However, sophomore pitcher Cam Kline would buckle down, retiring the side, stranding both runners. In the top of the fifth, MSU would also get two runners on base, and would fail to convert.
In the bottom of the fifth, Augustana would make it 4-2 as senior Michael Svozil would steal third, subsequently scoring on a throwing error. On the next at bat, Augustana would again score on a sacrifice fly to center field.
The top of the sixth would see MSU make a valiant comeback effort, loading the bases with two outs. Senior Jordan Hart, representing the go-ahead run, went to the plate, only to strike out in six pitches. MSU would retire Augustana in order and would still have one more inning to make up the difference. Their final gasp would result in an eight-pitch inning, with a flyout and two groundouts as Augustana took the win, 5-2.
In the nightcap, Augustana would get on the board first, scoring on a sacrifice groundout. MSU would respond quickly, as Kline would hit a solo home run over the right field fence. The Mavs would have a very threatening third inning, loading the bases with no outs. However, the rest of the side would be retired in order, with the final two outs coming via strikeout. Augustana would add another run in the third, as MSU got out of the inning down 3-1.
The fourth inning saw MSU cut the deficit to one as senior Tyler Berg singled to right field, bringing in Petersen. In the fifth, sophomore Carter Elliott would hit a single to right, scoring two runs as the Mavs took a 4-3 lead. Later runs in the sixth and eighth innings would extend MSU’s lead, as the Mavs would go on to win the game 6-3.
The Mavericks will be back in action on Saturday and Sunday when they play a three-game series against Concordia-St. Paul in St. Paul.
Header photo by Mansoor Ahmad | MSU Reporter.