RBI doubles by Noah Durkin and Keith Cutler (2) gave the Cougars a 3-1 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning in the first game. The Mavericks rallied for three runs in the bottom of the frame, when catcher Nolan Johnson scored on a wild pitch and Todd Standish laced a two-run RBI triple.

MSU senior reliever Mahlon Zimmermann tossed 1.2 innings of scoreless relief to get the win. 

USF sophomore Eric Brother pitched a fine game, allowing one run on three hits with seven strikeouts in 4.1 innings of work. Junior RHP Derek Fischer (0-1) was tagged for the game-winning hit and was charged with the loss.

Corey Vasquez had two of the Cougars' four hits, both singles. Nolan Johnson had an RBI double.

Damian Kardas tied game two at 1-1 with an RBI single in the six inning before the Mavericks went  in front  3-1 via an RBI single from Connor McCallum and an unearned run on a USF throwing error in the top of the seventh. 

The Cougars cut the Mavericks' margin to 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh when Ryan Fobes' single plated Zach Ireland, who reached base on a hit by pitch.  They had the chance the tie or take the lead, but MSU reliever Tyler Sparger slammed the door by striking out Durkin before Jeremy Varner lined out to end the game.  

Fischer (0-2) allowed three runs (one earned) on seven hits in the complete game loss. He racked up six strikeouts and issued two walks.

Fobes, Cutler, Kardas and Goodenow accounted for the Cougars' four hit. USF left five men on base.

USF will travel to William Jewell in two weeks.