MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State Mankato's offense was clicking and the Mavericks' pitching wasn't too bad either in 18-1 and 8-2 wins over Minnesota State Moorhead on Sunday.
In Game 1, the Mavericks led 5-0 after three innings and then exploded for 13 runs in the fourth. Sydney Nelson had two hits, including a triple, and drove in four runs, and Sydney Nielsen had two hits, including a home run, and drove in three runs. Torey Richards also had three RBI.
Starter Mackenzie Ward allowed an unearned run on two hits and struck out eight in four innings. Reliever Katie Bracken set the Dragons down in order in the fifth to end the game.
The Dragons scored their lone run in the fourth on a Mavericks throwing error. Jordey Smith tripled and Annika Norman had MSUM's other hit.
In Game 2, the teams were tied 2-2 after three innings but Mankato scored four runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth while holding the Dragons scoreless the final six innings.
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MSU Mankato starter McKayla Armbruster allowed two runs on two hits and struck out seven in five innings. Relievers Kacy Nickerson and Katie Bracken both worked 1-2-3 innings.
Norman doubled in MSUM's two runs in the first inning and Avery Steffen had the team's other hit.
MSU Moorhead is 3-19 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and 6-32 overall. Minot State will be the home team against the Dragons in a NSIC doubleheader on Tuesday, April 26, in Moorhead. Game times are 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
