M State managed only two hits in the first game, singles by Jackson Martin and Luke Rutter.  The Pioneers got to starting pitcher Brett Englemeyer for 9 runs in his three innings on the mound.  Krosby Aasness gave up an unearned run in one inning of relief as the game was decided by the ten-run rule in five innings.

In game two, Mike Short, Jackson Martin and Ben Monson all went deep for M State, with Short driving in 5 runs and scoring twice, while going 2-for-3 at the plate.  Martin went 3-for-4 with 3 runs batted in and 3 runs scored, and Monson drove in a pair of runs and scored once.  Adam Vue had a double in three trips to the plate and scored twice.  Beau Fetting had a double, knocked in a run and scored once.  M State compiled 10 hits in the game.  Aidan O’Brien (4IP, 9H, 5ER, 1BB, 5K) earned the win, and Short (3IP, 2H, 1ER, 4K) finished up in relief.

“We needed to play better defense and get the bats going,” commented Spartan Head Coach Grant Harding.  “It’s tough to win with 4 errors and 2 hits. Game 2 the bats came alive as we had 5 home runs and played better defense. Mike Short had a great game with two home runs and pitched really well. Jackson Martin hit two long home runs as well. When those guys are going, we can be  really good on offense.”