The University of Minnesota Duluth baseball team kicked off their four game series against Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference rival MSU Mankato, falling in both games of today's doubleheader from Robertson Woods Field in Fayette, IA.

Game One: UMD (8) - MSU (10)

The Bulldogs jumped out to a hot start with a lead off solo home run from Michael Gabbard in the first inning, followed by a back to back double and single to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead after one. The Mavericks would take their shot to respond early, putting up three runs in the top of the second to overtake the lead. However, UMD would be quickly to take back their lead with a two run slam from Troy Lynch over the left field wall. The Bulldogs would hold their 4-3 lead through a quiet third inning from both teams, until a collection of base hits and a bases loaded hit by pitch in the top of the fourth would shoot MSU back in front 6-4. A scoreless two innings would pave the way for a bases loaded single in the sixth, tying things up for the Bulldogs and securing extra innings. The tie game would hold until the ninth inning with MSU collecting four runs, getting back out front and forcing the Bulldogs to have to respond. A two out, two run home run from Ethan Cole would bring some light to the Bulldog bench, but it would prove to be too little too late as the Mavericks would close out game one.

Game Two: UMD (4) - MSU (9)

MSU would take their turn to tally runs on the board first, hitting a trio of base hits and a fielder's choice groundout to collect three runs in the opening inning of game two. The Bulldogs would get their chance to cut into the three run deficit in the bottom of the second, collecting two runs on back to back bases loaded walks. Another quiet third inning for both teams would break up the offensive action, but the Mavericks would be the ones to capitalize on the other side. MSU would go on to collect six runs over the following three innings to take a 9-2 lead going into the seventh. Two walks and a single would load up the bases for Gabe Richardson who would be able to drive in one and move up the runners on a sacrifice fly ball. A two out single for Ethan Cole would add on another, but yet again would be too little too late as a strikeout would end the game.

Looking Ahead

The Bulldogs are set for a rematch against the Mavericks in the final doubleheader of their four game series. The first pitch of tomorrow's matchup is set for 12:00 PM.