The Gustavus baseball team dropped a non-conference nine-inning game to Minnesota State University, Mankato 18-6 on Thursday night. The game was played in Mankato. The Gusties are now 8-3 overall.
The Gusties re-newed their annual rivalry with MSU, Mankato on Thursday, but it turned out to be a long afternoon for Coach Carroll and his squad as they surrendered 18 runs and gave up 20 hits. The game lasted three hours and 11 minutes.
Gustavus used four different pitchers in the contest. Ben Levy had the best luck as he pitched the final two and one-third innings scattering four hits while not allowing a run. Jake Hauck started the game and was nicked for seven earned runs on eight hits in three innings of work. Tom Hutton and Matt Musta also pitched for Gustavus.
Coach Mike Carroll used the game to get most of the roster some playing time as 16 players took part in the contest. Senior second baseman Bryant Rogness went two-for-four at the plate and drove in a run. Senior outfielder Tyler Vrieze also went two-for-four at the plate. Freshman designated hitter Andy Schmidt scored two of the Gusties six runs while getting one hit in his three plate appearances. The Gusties, who collected 10 hits in the game, left 13 runners on base.
Gustavus will open MIAC play with a doubleheader against Saint John’s on Saturday in Collegeville, Minnesota. Game time is 1:00 pm.