MANKATO, MINN. — The Mankato Habaneros pushed the undefeated Madison Night Mares to the limit Sunday at ISG Field but came up just short in both games of a doubleheader, falling 6-5 and 10-9.

The nightcap was a heartbreaker.

Mankato built an 8-2 lead through four innings behind a pair of RBIs from Kylinn Stangl (University of Minnesota), three RBIs from Addie Garr (Augustana College IL), and a three-hit performance from Indigo Fish (Winona State University).

Madison rallied late, scoring four runs in the seventh inning to take an 8-7 lead. The Habaneros answered to force extra innings, but the Night Mares scored twice in the eighth and held off one final Mankato rally for the 10-9 win.

Fish finished with three hits and two RBIs, while Stangl added two hits and two RBIs.

Game 1 was another close contest, as Sailor Hall (Pittsburgh State University) went the distance in the circle, allowing three earned runs.

Olivia Pichardo (University of California) and Hall each recorded two hits, while Pichardo and Stangl homered. Izzy Vick (University of St. Thomas, MN) also delivered a two-run pinch-hit double during a late rally, but Madison held on for a 6-5 victory.

The Habaneros totaled 20 hits across the doubleheader but were unable to hand the Night Mares their first loss of the season. Mankato will get another chance to face Madison at ISG Field Monday night to finish the series. First pitch is at 6:35 pm.

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