BROOKINGS, S.D. – The Mavericks put on another offensive showcase today as they led the entire game in what was a 10-2 victory to take the series at South Dakota State.
Now at 18-29-1 with a 16-12-1 conference record, Omaha’s hopes of a fourth Summit League Regular Season Title are still alive heading into the final day of the season. As for the Jackrabbits, they are eliminated from postseason contention and will head into tomorrow’s season finale at 19-29 with a 10-17 league record.
Regardless of tomorrow’s results, the Mavericks have already clinched a spot in the Summit League Tournament. Now, Omaha’s path to a Regular Season Title is as follows:
If the Mavericks go 3-0 against SDSU, UST (currently 0-1) would need to lose at least twice and NDSU (currently 1-0) would need to lose at least once.
If the Mavericks go 2-1 against SDSU, UST would need to be swept by ORU and NDSU would need to lose at least twice to Northern Colorado.Innings 1-3
The Mavericks wasted no time getting started today as they quickly took a 6-0 lead after just two innings. Jackson Trout drove in the first one with an RBI groundout, followed by a two-run single from Haiden Hunt who has remained hot since returning to the starting lineup. The next inning, Drew Lechnir crushed a three-run shot over the wall in right for his fifth home run of the year.
On the mound, Harrison Kreiling was nearly unhittable, striking out the side on just 11 pitches in the first and keeping the Jackrabbits off the board in the second and third as well.
Innings 4-6
Omaha got multiple men into scoring position over the next couple of innings but could not bring any of them around to score. Kreiling’s dominance made up for this, though, as he added another four strikeouts and allowed just one more hit through the fifth. His day would come to an end after getting the first two outs of the sixth, including his ninth strikeout of the day.
A solo home run from SDSU’s top hitter Cael Frost would break up the shutout after Kreiling’s departure.
Innings 7-9
Matt Goetzmann got that run right back in the top of the seventh as he dropped one at the foot of the wall in right center and pulled into third with a stand-up RBI triple.
The Jackrabbits responded with their second run in the bottom of the inning, only for Omaha to score two more in the eighth as Grant Sommers singled to drive in his first run since April 6 and Hunt got one through the left side for his third RBI of the day. Hunt would then get his fourth hit and fourth RBI of the afternoon in the top of the ninth.
Luke Gainer finished off the Jackrabbits with his third inning of work in the ninth as he capped off the afternoon with his fifth strikeout to earn his fifth save.
Inside the Box Score
Since returning to the starting lineup last Sunday, Hunt has gone 10-for-19 with six RBIs and at least two hits in each game.
With five saves this season, Gainer is now tied for eighth on the program’s all-time single season saves list.
This is the fourth straight game Omaha has scored 10+ runs against SDSU.
Up Next
Heading into Saturday’s season finale, not only do the Mavericks have a chance to sweep SDSU, but depending on the results of Friday and Saturday’s St. Thomas and NDSU games they are still in position to claim the Regular Season Title. Charlie Bell (2-6) will get the start for Omaha opposite Owen Bishop (0-0).
