(Game 1 Box Score)
(Game 2 Box Score)

LIBERTY, Mo. – It was beginning to look a lot like a repeat of Saturday for Minot State University baseball.

But the Beavers bats broke out.

Minot State scored eight runs over the final three innings to salvage a split on day 2 at William Jewell College in nonconference NCAA Division II baseball Sunday at Jack Talley Stadium.

The win is the first of the year for MSU after a ton of tough luck games, including three one-run losses (MSU fell 2-1 in game 1) at William Jewell before the 9-7 win the series finale.

“Yeah, we got some things to finally go our way,” said MSU head coach Brock Weppler. “We had plenty of chances to win the first game, but couldn't get things to work out. It certainly feels a lot better to get a win. Everybody's spirits are a little better after getting the win.”

Also getting his first win of the season – and of his young college career – was freshman Ben Magnuson (P, Minot, N.D.) as he worked 3 innings, giving up two runs and four hits. Jamin Heller (So., P, Lethbridge, Alberta) finished with the team's first save of the season as well.

“Ben didn't necessarily have his best stuff, but he came in and controlled the damage and gave us a chance to win,” Weppler said. “He battled. We have had one game in every four-game set where we have a starting pitcher come out and not pitch very well and things get out of hand. When we got behind, we felt like 'here we go again.' But Ben and Ben Sansaver (Jr., MI, Kalispell, Mont.) and Jamin did a good job.”

The rally began in the fifth as Mike Turcotte (Jr., OF, Victoria, British Columbia) and Andrew Roach (R-Fr., OF/P, Gilbert, Ariz.) drove in runs. It was extended in the sixth as Scott Peters, Caleb Heilman (Sr., INF, Burlington, N.D.) and Turcotte all doubled and Heilman, Turcotte and Roach all drove in runs.

“Roach has been probably our best hitter so far this season. He hits line drives and with the wind, he probably had the best approach to hitting out of everyone,” Weppler said. “We finally figured it out as a team in the final game. Mike has been basically good for at least one hit every game. He's consistent. Both of them got big hits for us.”

In game 1, MSU's Austin Zorn (Fr., P, Bismarck, N.D.) pitched a strong game before giving up three straight doubles in the sixth, allowing the game-winning run in the bottom of the inning. He worked 5 1/3 innings, giving up six hits, two runs with three strikeout and no walks.

“We didn't hit very well and didn't execute a couple times including a squeeze in the first game,” said Weppler. “Zorn threw really well for us, he pitched a heck of a game.”

The Beavers had a golden opportunity in the seventh as they finished the inning with three hits – including the second of the game for Roach – but failed to score.

Along with Roach, Connor Moughtin (So., C, Victoria, British Columbia) drove in a run and went 1 for 3 in the game. He plated Jordan Gilmour (Jr., OF, Gatineau, Quebec) after Gilmour walked, stole second and moved up on a fielder's choice.

The Beavers will travel to Arizona for its annual spring break trip with games beginning with Northwestern College (Iowa) March 10.