ST. CLOUD, Minn. – After splitting the first two games, the Winona State Warriors (13-27, 13-17 NSIC) fell twice to the St. Cloud State Huskies (32-12, 23-9 NSIC) for the final two games of the four game series. The Warriors couldn't hold their slim first inning lead falling in game one 4-2. The Huskies completed the second day sweep as a stellar pitching performance set down Winona State 8-1.
GAME ONE
Early Lead Falters In Loss
Zach Siggelkow got the start on the mound for the Huskies immediately surrendering the game's first hit to
Joe Kubera on a single. The Warriors were able to take advantage of the leadoff single as Kubera was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt before stealing third base. He was driven in on a single by
Sam Kohnle.
The Huskies got rolling in the third when Judd Davis knocked a leadoff double to get into scoring position in the third as an error during the next at bat scored Davis. Bo Schmitz singled a batter later scoring Mitch Mallek to put the Huskies up 4-1.
The Warriors entered the final inning down two as Miles Nablo entered the game looking for the save.
Derek Martin drew a walk start the inning before Kubera hit a one out single gave WSU two baserunners. Nablo notched a strikeout and fly out as the Huskies took game one 4-2.
Game 2
Warriors Bats Quieted By Hammann
After taking game one, the Huskies sent Aaron Hammann to the mound in search of the second day sweep. Hammann quickly settled in setting the Warriors down in order to begin the game.
Aaron Mutter got the nod as WSU vied for the series split. Mutter gave up a leadoff single but got out of the inning shortly after forcing three straight groundball outs.
After the Warriors failed to get on base to begin the second, three singles loaded the bases for the Huskies with just one out in their half of the inning. Ethan Ibarra and Davis singled back-to-back both knocking in a run before Jordan Joseph hit the fifth consecutive single of the inning scoring two more and giving the Huskies a four run advantage.
WSU got their first baserunner in the third as Hommes walked with two outs. The inning ended shortly after on a lineout to second. A single and two walks loaded the bases for St. Cloud State with just one out as Ibarra singled scoring two runs before a fly out and ground out ended the inning with a Husky lead.
Jesus Cazares doubled with one out in the fourth as the Warriors finally cracked the hit column. A ground out led to a single by
Taylor Field as WSU threatened to score with runners on the corners. The scoring threat ended a batter later on an inning ending groundout. Following two singles to open the home half of the fourth, the Huskies added a run after a sacrifice bunt led to a throwing error. A walk two batters later loaded the bases with one out. Mutter was able to escape with limited damage inducing a double play ending the inning.
Andrew Pliner led off the fifth with a double as WSU fought to crack the scoreboard. Hammann got the next two outs of the inning before Kubera singled scoring Pliner making the game 7-1. Mutter returned for the home half of the seventh only allowing one hit.
Derek Masberg came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth. Masberg struck out two batters after allowing two singles. A single by Cooper Maas scored a run pushing the Husky advantage to 8-1.
Kevin Bolder entered the game pitching for the Huskies looking to end the game in the ninth. Bolder set the Warriors down in order, sweeping the second day of the series winning 8-1.
By: Jake Thiede
