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Winona Today
By the People, for the People
Warriors Baseball Drops Pair Against UMary
Early season losses highlight importance of offensive consistency and pitching depth in college baseball
Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:34am
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Winona State University's baseball team suffered a pair of losses against the University of Mary on Thursday, March 28, 2026, in their home-opening twin bill. The first game ended with a score of 5-2 in favor of UMary, while the second game was a 17-1 run-rule victory for the Marauders. These early-season results highlight some emerging trends in collegiate baseball, particularly the importance of consistent hitting and pitching depth.
Why it matters
The stark difference in scoring between the two games underscores a critical trend in college baseball: offensive consistency. Teams that can string together hits and capitalize on scoring opportunities consistently are proving to be the most successful. Additionally, pitching depth is a key factor for sustained success, as programs with reliable starting pitchers and efficient bullpen management tend to have an advantage.
The details
In the first game, UMary established an early lead, scoring in the first and third innings. Despite a late rally in the seventh, sparked by a hit from Christian Varsho, Winona State couldn't overcome the deficit. Sawyer Hoffman took the loss, allowing five runs in 4.2 innings. Carson Jones provided relief, striking out two. The second game proved even more challenging for the Warriors, as UMary's offense exploded, scoring multiple runs in several innings. Klayton Hawkins managed a solo home run, but it wasn't enough to counter UMary's dominant performance. Eli Babler was the losing pitcher for Winona State.
- The games were played on Thursday, March 28, 2026.
- The Warriors have a doubleheader scheduled against UMary on Friday, March 29, 2026.
The players
Christian Varsho
A Winona State player who had a hit in the late rally during the first game.
Sawyer Hoffman
The Winona State pitcher who took the loss in the first game, allowing five runs in 4.2 innings.
Carson Jones
The Winona State relief pitcher who struck out two batters in the first game.
Klayton Hawkins
The Winona State player who hit a solo home run in the second game.
Eli Babler
The Winona State pitcher who was the losing pitcher in the second game.
What they’re saying
“Consistent effort and attention to detail can lead to significant gains over the course of a season.”
— Pro Tip
What’s next
The Warriors have a doubleheader scheduled against the University of Mary on Friday, March 29, 2026. This series provides a chance for the Warriors to analyze their weaknesses, adjust their strategies, and demonstrate their resilience.
The takeaway
The losses against UMary highlight the importance of offensive consistency and pitching depth in college baseball. Winona State will need to focus on improving their hitting approach and developing a stronger starting rotation to compete effectively in the remainder of the season.
