Game One Box

Game Two Box

MARSHALL, MINN.: Amanda Burkhart blasted a walk-off home run to lead off the seventh inning to lift No. 7 ranked Southwest Minnesota State to a 1-0 victory over Winona State in game one of a doubleheader on Thursday in Marshall.  In game two, SMSU's Jessica Paczosa's double to center field in the bottom of the sixth scored two runs to give the Mustangs a 5-4 win.

SMSU improves to 25-7, and 9-0 in the NSIC with the sweep while Winona State falls to 24-11 overall and 10-3 in conference play.

In game one, it was a pitcher's duel as Winona only scattered two hits and SMSU finished the game with three.  SMSU's Amanda Johnson earned the win on the mound pitching all seven innings with seven strikeouts.  WSU's Kristen Fossell suffered the loss pitching six innings with eight strikeouts.

In game two, SMSU trailed the entire game, taking its first lead in the bottom of the sixth inning.  The Mustangs scored three runs in the third, as Sara Silke started off the inning with a single up the middle. Fennern followed that up with a bunt single and then both runs advance a base due to a passed ball.  Paczosa then waked to load the bases for Erin Dickhausen who hit a single to center field driving in two runs.  The last run of the inning was scored on a wild pitch.

Down, 4-3 going in the the sixth the Mustangs came up big as Paczosa hit a double to score Micki Seibring, who was pitch running for Amanda Tucci who was earlier hit by a pitch, and Sara Silke, who reached on a walk.

SMSU's Silke earned the win on the mound pitching six innings of relief for Amanda Johnson. Silke improves to 1-1 and had three strikeouts in the game.

The Mustang will be back in action on Saturday and Sunday at the NSIC Crossover in Bismarck, N.D.

The Mustangs celebrate behind Amanda Burkhart after her walk-off home run in game one.

Sara Silke delivers a pitch in game two.

Erin Dickhausen connects on a two-run single in game two.

Jessica Paczosa drills the game-winning double to left-center in game two.

Sara Silke scores the game-winning run in game two.

Mustang softball fans Megan Wittkop and Heidi Kimmes.