GAME 1 BOX | GAME 2 BOX

MARSHALL, Minn. – Krista Steen drove in three runs on a double to start a five-run fifth inning leading Southwest Minnesota State (19-15, 10-8 NSIC) to a 5-4 comeback victory in game two of a twinbill with St. Cloud State University (18-24, 4-12 NSIC) on Wednesday afternoon in Marshall. SMSU won the opener 4-3.

Chelsey Evans, who picked up two wins in the circle for SMSU to improve to 11-4 on the season, finished the day with three hits and an RBI while picking up nine strikeouts on the afternoon.

In game one, SMSU opened up the scoring in the bottom of the first inning when Kris Penick singled up the middle to score Christine Borowiak who led off the game with a triple down the left field line.

SMSU extended its lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the second inning scoring two runs on three hits. Amy Dreessen led off the inning with a single up the middle. After a fly out Sam Goblirsch singled up the middle and Chelsey Evans drove in the first run of her career with a single to right field. On the play, Evans moved up to second base and Katelyn Kalkman up to third. Kalkman pinch ran for Goblirsch and scored on a sacrifice fly by Borowiak.

SCSU scored its first run of the game in the top of the third inning when Danielle Rahn came in to score from third on a steal attempt by Samantha Kanak. Kanack stole second base but an errant throw by SMSU allowed the run to come in to score.

Jordan Grell led off the top of the fourth inning with a double to left center for the Huskies and came around to score on an RBI single by Megan Lehnen to come within one at 3-2.

SMSU extended its lead to 4-2 in the bottom half of the fourth inning when Evans came in to score when Borowiak reached on an error by the third baseman. Evans singled with two outs in the inning but on the play advanced to third base when the ball rolled all the way to the fence on a fielding error by the right fielder.

The Huskies were able to push another run across in the top of the sixth inning after back-to-back doubles by Chris Saiz and Lehnen to come within one again at 4-3.

SMSU was set down in order in the bottom of the sixth and Rachel Groff came in to shut the door in the top of the seventh earning her second save of the season with two strikeouts and a fly out in the inning. 

In game two, St. Cloud State grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning when Chris Saiz doubled to right center field to score two runs.

The Huskies jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning when Jackie Dooley reached on a fielder's choice and Kate Robinson came in to score on an error by the shortstop. SCSU tacked on another run in the top of the fifth inning when Mikayla Hogan singled to score Kelly Olson who singled to open up the inning and advanced to third base on a fielding error by SMSU.

Merrit came in to pitch for the Huskies in the bottom of the second inning and did not allow a hit or a run until the big fifth inning for the Mustangs. SMSU scored all five of its runs with two outs in the inning. Borowiak came to the plate with Evans on first and singled to left field. Penick then sent a sharp single to left field to move up both runners but Evans was able to score on the play when the left fielder ran past the ball for SMSU's first run of the game.

Borowiak and Penick moved up a base on a passed ball and Ashley Gigax coxed a walk to load the bases. Steen stepped to the plate and delivered a three-RBI double to right center field to tie the game at four. After a single by Kaley Scearcy, Dreessen drove in the game winning run on a single to left field.

Evans shut down the Huskies in order in the sixth and seventh innings to preserve the come-from-behind win for the Mustangs.

Southwest Minnesota State will play its final road game of the season on Saturday with a doubleheader against Minnesota State beginning at 1 p.m. in Mankato, Minn.