Spartans Split over the Weekend
M-State Spartans defeated Vermillion Community College 7-4 thanks to a strong start with runs scoring from a sac fly by Travis Krueger and a single by Zach Thunselle. Krueger also earned the win for M-State. He tossed three and two-thirds innings, surrendering two runs, four hits, and striking out two
Zach Thunselle went 4-4 with 4 single and 2 rbi's on the day. Alex Hexum closed out the game with a strong three and one-thirds innings giving up only 3 hits and 1 earned run.
In the second game the Spartans faced Mesabi Range. The Norsemen opened up a lead in the top of the 3rd but MState answered back with a 2-run double by Brandon Hill in the bottom of the inning. The game was later tied at three with Mesabi batting in the top of the seventh a single off of Brandon Hill, driving in two runs. MState ended up losing 7-4 despite Tyler Anderson's strong performance. He threw six innings, giving up four runs, eight hits, and striking out three.
Brandon Hill went 2-for-4 at the plate as he led the team with two runs batted in.
"I thought we played really well today. It was beautiful out today so it was nice to get out and get a couple of games in. I thought we played well the first game we had a strong performance at the plate from quite a few guys and that is always going to help us win," says Coach Hughes. "The second game we played well and battled consistently throughout so I was satisfied with that aspect but I think that pieces of our defensive game need to be improved as we go forward. Mesabi is a tough team and we were in that game all the way until the end and that is all you can ask of your players."