WINONA, Minn. – Winona State University opened its four-game series with Southwest Minnesota State University with a decisive 11-3 win in game one of a doubleheader on Saturday at Loughrey Field before the Mustangs rallied for 6-4 win in the finale to even the series at one game apiece.
Playing as the visiting team in Winona due to a site reversal, the Warriors exploded for 10 runs in the top of the sixth in the opener as Aaron Mutter tossed his third complete game victory of the season on the hill.
Mutter (3-1) has been lights out since returning from an injury early in the season. The sophomore right-hander is 3-0 with a 2.05 ERA (6 ER/26.1 IP) over his last six appearances dating back to early March. Mutter scatter eight Mustang hits in the opener on Saturday and allowed three runs (one earned) over 7.0 IP. He struck out nine batters in the win.
A sacrifice fly by Sam Kohnle scored the game's first run in the top of the first frame to give WSU an early 1-0 lead. The Mustangs would tie the ballgame with a run in the bottom of the second, and a pitcher's duel ensued until the sixth inning when Winona State opened the flood gates.
Zac Stange led off the top of the sixth by reaching on the first of two SMSU errors in the inning and Andrew Pliner followed with a bunt single. Kohnle then drove home the go-ahead runs with a two-run double to center. Taylor Field kept the line moving with an RBI-single, and two batters later Chad Herbst doubled into left field to chase home two more Warrior runners. With the lineup turned over, Stange returned to the plate and drilled a two-run single to left field. Kohnle kept his big day going with an RBI-single to center before two more unearned runs crossed home as the Warrior lead swelled to 11-1.
The Mustangs got two runs back in the bottom of the sixth to prevent being run-ruled, but Mutter would not be denied his complete game victory as he struck out the final two batters he faced in the seventh to end the affair.
Kohnle led Winona offensive with a 2-for-3 effort and four RBI in the win.
Game two saw the Warriors score in bunches again, as Winona trailed 2-0 after two innings and answered with four runs in the top of the third.
Derek Martin led off the third inning with a double to the right-center field gap and two batters later Pliner reached first on a walk. A single by Kohnle loaded the bases, and Field tied the game with a double down the left field line. Kohnle came around to score on a wild pitch and Field scored on a pass ball to give WSU a 4-2 lead before the inning came to an end.
SMSU answered with a two spot in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game. The fourth Mustang run was unearned as Caleb Schoenholz was dealing on the mound over his final four innings of work. The sophomore lefty allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits over 7.0 IP and struck out six batters in the no decision.
Facing an 0-2 count with one out in the bottom of the eighth, Jayden Fleck lifted a solo homer to left field off Nicolas Herold which proved to be the game-winning run. The Mustangs would add an insurance run to stretch the lead to 6-4 in the inning.
The Warriors put runners on the corners in the top of the ninth but couldn't push across a run and settled for a split with the Mustangs.
Martin combined to go 6-for-8 with two runs scored in the doubleheader.
Winona State (13-14, 12-8 NSIC) and SMSU (10-18, 5-13) will conclude the series on Sunday afternoon in Winona with the first game set for 12 p.m.
