SIOUX FALLS, SD -- Lucky No. 13 for Minot State senior Drew Behling kept the Beavers season alive.

Behling hit his 13th home run of the season, a grand slam in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie, a game-winning hit that helped power the Minot State Beavers over the Mary Marauders 6-3 on Thursday in an elimination game on day two of the NSIC Baseball Tournament.

With the win, the Beavers advance to another elimination game against the loser of the Minnesota State, Mankato versus St. Cloud State game which was suspended in the sixth inning Thursday night. Minot State's next game time has yet to be determined. 

Senior RJ Martinez (6-1) got the win for Minot State (27-22 overall). The southpaw went six innings, giving up one run on five hits, allowing one walk and striking out six.

Behling went 2-for-3 with a double and a home run in addition to his four RBIs for the Beavers. Junior Matt Malone put together a standout performance at the plate as well, going 1-for-3 with a double and a walk. Senior Declan Buckle also contributed for Minot State, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Beavers got on the scoreboard first, starting in the second inning. Minot State got an RBI single from freshman Dalin Ludlow, scoring Behling from second base.

The Marauders then tied the ballgame at one before the Beavers came back to reclaim their advantage in the sixth inning. Minot State got a grand slam from Behling to score all four of their runs in the inning, which brought the score to 5-1 in favor of the Beavers.

Mary narrowed Minot State's lead to 5-3 before the Beavers stretched the advantage to 6-3 in the eighth inning. The score remained 6-3 for the rest of the game, as Minot State held on for the win.

GAME NOTES
» Martinez struck out six Marauders hitters.
» The Beavers power output was led by Behling, who compiled two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Behling drove in four runs for Minot State.
» Minot State's highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed four runs across.
» The Beavers had control of the rest of the game after jumping ahead of the Marauders 1-0 in the bottom of the second.
» Martinez put together six innings of one-run ball for the Beavers.
» Minot State went 3-for-9 (.333) with runners in scoring position.
» Minot State pitchers limited Mary to just 2-for-12 (.167) with runners in scoring position.
» Minot State pitchers faced 40 Mary hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and 10 fly balls while striking out eight.
» Behling led the Beavers at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and four RBI.
» Mary was led offensively by senior James Martin, who went 3-for-5.
» Freshman Gabe Ridenour led the Marauders pitching staff, throwing two innings of one-run ball.

This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.