Article

Baseball Wins 10 Straight in Florida

by Tyler Buckentine
Issue date: 3/20/07 Section: Mens Sports

As far as spring break hot spots go, many prefer the heat of the Caribbean. Members of the Minnesota State baseball team might tell you they'd rather spend the week on the ball diamonds in Fort Pierce, Fla. where the Mavericks won 10 of 11 games last week.

After MSU dropped its first game to Concordia, N.Y. last Saturday, the Mavericks (18-4 overall, 2-0 NCC) rattled off 10 straight victories to round out the week.

"The nice thing about this trip is that you get to play a lot of people," said MSU coach Dean Bowyer. "We played 11 games in six days so by the end of the week guys get tired and we want to give them a break."

Every part of MSU's game appeared to look solid as the Mavericks outscored their opponents 88-33 over 11 games. Pitching was, again, a key to MSU's success.

"We played good defense but we really pitched well," Bowyer said. "Everybody got some innings in so hopefully we get a chance for our arms to mend a little bit and get back to full strength and start playing again."

The Mavericks were hot at the plate as well. In all 10 wins, MSU scored at least five runs in games against American International College, Post University, Northwood University, Wisconsin-Parkside, Clarion, and Nyack College.

"We need just a couple guys to step up the hitting a little bit but when you have the pitching like we do, you don't need as good of offense," Bowyer said. "We still need to be more consistent and disciplined."

Bowyer entered the Florida trip one victory away from the 1,000-win milestone. He got the 1,000th win in a 10-6 victory over American International.

"It's nice but it's not about me - it's about the players," Bowyer said. "I just think about how many pitchers and players have been involved in those 1,000 wins. It's incredible.

"I don't win the ball games. I recruit hard and get good guys in here to play. I'm really proud of the consistency of our program."

The Mavericks have a few weeks off to rest after the long trip before they head to Des Moines, Iowa for a doubleheader with Grandview on March, 30.

"In the past, when we'd get back from Florida, we'd make another trip somewhere," Bowyer said. "But it's like when we get back from Florida, we're real tired and don't play well."

Tyler Buckentine is the Reporter Assistant Sports Editor