The Southwest Minnesota State University baseball team capped off their opening weekend on Sunday, Feb. 17 at the Metrodome. The Mustangs split a non-conference doubleheader with the University of Mary, taking game one with a score of 7-3 and dropping game two 4-0.

The Mustangs jumped to an early 6-0 lead in game one due to a five-run third inning. Tanner sophomore Tanner Neale kicked off the inning with a single and advanced to second after a bunt by Ben Korger. After a fly-out, Brian Ness hit a two-run double, giving the Mustangs a 3-0 advantage. A single by Elliot Serbus pushed Ness to third base. An RBI double by Kyle Young made pushed the lead to 4-0. Jarred Carlson finished the scoring run with a two-run double to score push Ness and Young past home base, making the score 6-0.

The Marauders scored single runs in the third and fifth innings to cut the Mustangs’ lead to 6-2. SMSU tacked on an additional run in the sixth inning, which started with a walk by Jon Ellis, followed by a Ryan Engels single. Neale sealed the run with an RBI bunt to make the score 7-2. Another run by the Marauders in the sixth inning cut the Mustangs’ led to 7-3.

Mustang starter Travis McGlauflin earned the win after making his first career appearance. McGlauflin threw four innings and allowed only two runs on four hits. McGlauflin threw four walks, one hit batter, and four strikeouts.

The Marauders started off game two with three runs on five hits in the top of the first. They added a single in the second inning to rack up a 4-0 lead.

SMSU’s Jordon Kontz, Mason Schnaible, and Jon Ellis each recorded one hit for the Mustangs. Starting pitcher Colton Smit took the loss, allowing the Marauders four hits on eight runs. Smit recored two strikeouts and two walks. Eric Giddings threw two shutout relief innings. Danny Thering and Ryan Ecalberger came together for a scoreless seventh inning.