PITTSBURG, Kan. – Winona State University appeared on its way to the start of a three-game weekend sweep on Saturday afternoon. The Warriors led Pittsburg State, 9-5 in the ninth inning of game one in a doubleheader, only to see the Gorillas rally for a five-spot and claim a 10-9 win. Not deterred, Winona State proved it was the better team in the finale with a decisive 10-3 triumph to stamp a series victory.

Austin Savary (1-0) was the game two winner, tossing four scoreless innings in relief of Kyle Gendron. Dillon Whittaker pitched well enough to earn a win in game one, but was saddled with a no decision after the Gorillas jumped on closer Nicolas Herold (0-1) for five runs (four earned) in the bottom of the ninth frame.

The Warriors scored early and often in game one, plating six runs over the first two innings. Nick Herbst added a would-be insurance run in the top of the ninth with an RBI-triple, WSU's second three-bagger of the affair, but it wasn't enough.

Tanner Williams went 3-for-5 with a pair of RBI in the opener while Sam Kohnle was 4-for-5 with three RBI.

In game two, the Warriors scratched the plate in the first inning for the third straight ballgame, but found themselves trailing the Gorillas, 3-1, after two innings.

An RBI-double by Kohnle knotted the score in the top of the sixth before the WSU offense broke out late. The Warriors plated eight runs over the final three innings and outscored the home team 9-0 over the final four frames collectively.

Zac Stange had a huge day at the plate, combing to go 5-for-10 with four RBI and six runs scored in the twinbill.

Derek Martin also drove in a pair of runs in the finale.

The Warriors return to the road next weekend for a four-game series scheduled at Drury University on February 14-16.