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Omaha defeated South Dakota State 7-1 in the first game of their Summit League series. The Mavericks scored early and capitalized on SDSU's errors, with Bailey Sample hitting a two-run home run.
OMAHA, Neb. (SDSU) â Omaha used a quality start in the circle and took advantage of miscues en route to a 7-1 win over South Dakota State on Friday, April 17, in the opening game of their Summit League series at Connie Claussen Field.
The Mavericks got on the board in the first inning and never trailed. A one-out drawn by Taylor Sedlacek led to the next batter in Bailey Sample hitting a two-run home run.
SDSU starting pitcher Amanda Vacanti put the Omaha lineup down in order in the second inning behind two strikeouts. The Mavericks got their first two base runners in the third on base via fielding errors, eventually leading to a three-run inning as Omaha pushed its lead to 5-0.
The Jackrabbits scored a run in the top of the fifth on a solo home run courtesy of Ella Berlage. It was the second home run of the season for the freshman infielder.
Omaha scored two more runs to close out the scoring on the day. The Mavericks were buoyed by a solid effort by reigning Summit League Pitcher of the Year Maddia Groff. The junior pitcher gave up just four hits and a run across six innings of work. She struck out 12 batters and walked one.
SDSUâs pitching contingent of Vacanti, Akayla Barnard and  allowed just seven hits in the game. They combined to allow four earned runs. Vacanti was charged with the defeat in the circle.
The final score was 7-1 in favor of Omaha.
Ella Berlage hit a solo home run for SDSU.
SDSU played against Omaha on Friday, April 17.

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The Jackrabbit lineup featured Barnard producing two hits. Abby Gentry and Alli Boyle also recorded a hit in the ball game.
UP NEXT
South Dakota State continues its three-game series in Omaha on Saturday. The Jackrabbits and Mavericks are scheduled for a 6 p.m. first pitch at Connie Claussen Field.
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