Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score

PITTSBURG, KAN.:  Pittsburg State spoiled the season opening doubleheader for Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday as the Gorillas swept a non-conference doubleheader over SMSU 11-8 and 10-9 in eight innings.

In game one, Pittsburg State University (Kan.) scored six runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to stun Southwest Minnesota State and earn a thrilling 11-8 victory.

With the score tied at 5-5, SMSU put together a rally in the top of the seventh inning as Jake Munsch smashed a three-run home run over the left field fence to give the Mustangs an 8-5 lead.  In the bottom of the inning though PSU put together three walks, a single, a sac bunt, an intentional walk and capped off the rally with a grand slam walk-off homer by Nick Giuliani to earn the victory.

After falling behind 3-0 after three innings of play, SMSU rallied back with a four-run fourth inning capped by a three-run two-out double by Andy Williamson, who was playing in his first game as a Mustang.  PSU added a single run in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game at 4-4.

Derick Swenson had an RBI single for SMSU while Derek West knocked in SMSU's other run with a ground out.  Adam Schrader started for SMSU on the mound tossing five innings, while allowing three earned runs with seven strikeouts, before Brandon Wilhelmi and Arron Olson pitched in relief.  Olson suffered the loss.

In game two SMSU fell behind 3-0 after one inning of play but rallied to take a lead in the sixth inning.  PSU answered back to tie the game at 9-9 after six before earning the win with a rally in the eighth inning.

Andrew Kinney belted a two-run home run in the game which was followed by a solo home run by Derek West.  Kinney, Derick Swenson, and Lex Reinke all had three hits.

Aaron Rocheleau took the loss in relief for SMSU in his first game ever pitching.

The two teams will conclude the four-game series tomorrow morning with a twinbill beginning at 9 a.m.