March 2004

Mavericks go undefeated on Texas trip

Dear Championship Club Members,

2004 season is here! It's hard to believe we have played nine games already. Within the past 3 weeks we have played games in Georgia, the Metrodome, and Texas accumulating a 6-3 record.

With the help of Dave Whiteford and the Douglasville Baseball Association we were able to travel to Douglasville, GA February 24-28. Needless to say we were treated like royalty and had a great time. Plans are already in the works for a return trip next year. The weather did not cooperate except for the last day when the temperature was 65 degrees. We lost three games to the University of West Georgia, a team that was 12-2.

Along with playing games in Douglasville the team was able to meet and spend time with a few members of the 1986 team. Dave Whiteford, Tim Carlson, Lake Elmo, MN, Dean Kalmes, St. Louis, MO, Tom Lilledahl, Red Wing, MN, and Shane Bowyer, Mankato, MN were all able to make it to Douglasville.

March 3 we played the University of Minnesota and won by a score of 5-4. It was great to see so many alumni and fans of MSU baseball at the game.

March 5 the team left for the Texas spring trip. We went 5-0, beating St. Edward’s twice, Incarnate Word twice, and St. Mary’s once. All three teams were ranked in the top 25 in the nation. Many young players stepped up and delivered in the clutch along with the veterans who carried the majority of the load. The overall experience of these games will carry us a long way. It was great to play games with having an extended period of time to practice. Once again we had over 50 family members and friends that were there to cheer us on. The team now carries a batting average of .282 and team ERA of 4.85.

This weekend we travel to Kansas City to play four games against Rockhurst, Central Oklahoma, and Southwest State. Our first home game is scheduled for April 3 against Gustavus starting at 2:30.

We have updated our donor list and will accept checks at any time! We still need to bring in $8,000 to reach our goal for this season. Your support enables us to take trips like we have so far this season. Make sure to check our website for more information about the program.

In Baseball,

Dean Bowyer

Mavericks Down Gophers, 5-4

Minneapolis, Minn. --- Minnesota State earned its first win of 2004 with a 5-4 nonconference victory over the University of Minnesota March 3 in the Metrodome. MSU rallied with three runs in the last four innings to gain the victory.

After the two teams battled to a 2-2 tie through the first four innings, Minnesota took a 3-2 lead with a run in the bottom of the fifth. MSU responded with single runs in the top of the sixth, seventh and eighth to build a two-run edge. UM scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to close out the scoring.

Senior right-hander Jon Dudycha, the third of MSU's four pitchers in the game, threw 1.1 innings, allowing one hit and no runs to earn the win. Freshman Dane Secott got the save throwing 2.2 innings giving up one run and striking out three.

The win was MSU's sixth in the last nine meetings with the University of Minnesota.