St. Cloud State University Huskies were defeated in a classic back-and-forth ball game this Sunday in the NCAA Central Region Championship at Franklin Rodgers Park in Mankato. The championship came down to a play at the plate, with the Huskies losing to the Minnesota State University Mankato Mavericks 5-4 in the ninth inning.

Maverick Mike Eckhart drove the ball to center field in the ninth inning to score Matt Kuchenbecker. He beat out a throw to the plate from Brian Hansen to score the winning run and end the Huskies’ season. Bryce Bellin got the win for the Mavericks after giving up one a hit in three scoreless innings. Junior Chris Kubitz took the loss after not allowing any hits in three and one-third innings, but giving up one run to the Mavericks who scored three of their five runs without a hit in the game.

SCSU baseball ends the season with an overall record of 48-14.