TUCSON, Ariz. – The Minot State baseball team showed its determination and grit Saturday, using a late charge to grab a 9-8 win and split a pair of games in Arizona.

After falling 21-5 to Emporia State (Kan.) in 8 innings to start the day, the Beavers (1-2 overall) found themselves down 8-3 late against Adams State (Colo.) when the offense swung to life for a dramatic six runs over the final two frames for a 9-8 comeback win.

Nate Hutchison and Vinnie Gates each had a 2-run single in the top of the eighth inning, cutting an 8-3 deficit down to 8-7.

After a scoreless inning of relief by Conner Meldrim (1-0), who would earn the win, the Beavers then completed the comeback with a 2-run double by Hutchison in the top of the ninth for a 9-8 edge.

Ayden Sauerbrei earned his first save, striking out two in the ninth, closing out the win for Minot State.

Noah Madas led the way offensively, going 3-for-5 with an RBI in the win, while Colton Bagshaw and Hutchison each had a pair of hits in the victory.

In the day's opener, the Beavers started off hot as Jake Othner, Michael Williamson, Hutchison, and Gates each drove in a run as Minot State jumped in front 4-0 in the bottom of the first.

Emporia State chipped away, grabbing a 7-4 lead, but the Beavers answered with an Oscar Pegg RBI double in the sixth, making it a close, 7-5 contest: Until the eighth.

The Hornets plated 14 runs in the top of the eighth, putting the game away.

Pegg and Gates each had a pair of hits in the first game for Minot State, which plays Emporia State again Sunday as the Beavers wrap up a four-game series in Arizona.