The Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks used solid pitching and timely hitting to sweep the University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagle Softball team 5-0, and 8-0 in a Northern Sun Conference doubleheader played in Crookston.
GAME ONE –
Mankato started the game with a ground out. Then the Maverick batts got going with a single and a double. The next batter singled to score a run for a 1-0 lead. The next batter flew out to left field, but it was deep enough to score another run for a 2-0 lead.
Neither team scored in the second, third, and fourth innings. Mankato expanded their lead in the top of the fifth inning with a leadoff single. The next batter reached on an error before another single to score a run for a 3-0 lead. After a strikeout, Mankato singled in another run for a 4-0 lead.
Mankato added an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning. After a groundout, Mankato tripled and scored a run on a single for a 5-0 lead.
UMC wasn’t able to score in the bottom of the inning and Minnesota State Mankato won 5-0.
UMC only had three hits in the game with Jordan Peterson (Jr. Lakeville) getting two of them.
CLICK HERE FOR THE GAME ONE BOX SCORE
GAME TWO-
Mankato didn’t waste any time as they started the game with a single and a double for a 1-0 lead.
Mankato broke the game open in the second inning with a lead off single. UMC was able to retire the next two batters, but the third out was a little more challenging. The Mavericks took advantage of a walk and a double steal to put runners at second and third base. The next batter doubled to score two runs for a 3-0 lead. The next batter singled to score a run for a 4-0 lead. After another Mankato stolen base they had another rbi single for a 5-0 lead.
Mankato added another run in the third inning with back-to-back singles and a run scored on a ground out for a 6-0 lead.
Nobody scored again until the seventh inning. Mankato started the inning with a groundout followed by back-to-back doubles to score a run for a 7-0 lead. After a UMC pitching change, Mankato doubled again for an 8-0 lead.
UMC tried to mount a rally in the bottom of the inning. Avalos started the inning with a single followed by a strike out. Grant doubled and Velasquez singled to load the bases. The next batter struck out and that was followed by a fielder’s choice and Mankato held on to the 8-0 victory. UMC had three of their five hits in the seventh inning.
UMC drops to 8-28 overall and 4-18 in the NSIC. UMC will travel to Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska on Saturday, May 1. Minnesota State Mankato improves to 28-7 overall and 17-5 in the NSIC.
