MSU wins Bowyer's final home game

By Denny Weller
Special to the Free Press

MANKATO May 06, 2008 01:14 am

— An era came to an end Monday night at Franklin Rogers Park when Minnesota State downed Bethany Lutheran College 7-3 in a nonconference baseball game.
It marked the final home game for legendary Mavericks’ coach Dean Bowyer after a 32-year stint filled with consistent success. Bowyer compiled a lifetime mark of 1,061-534, including four years at Minot State. He was named North Central Conference Coach of the Year 11 times and Midwest Region coach of the year on four occasions.
“It’s a good feeling right now, the timing is perfect,” Bowyer said. “I am not second guessing myself at all. I love coaching, and I could coach for another 10 years if I am healthy. I just think it’s time to let somebody else do it.
“My guys play hard all the time, and when they go out there they expect to win. When you do that and play with confidence you’ll be successful. ... You have to have class and always respect the opponent.”
Minnesota State (25-21) got three solid innings from starter Danny Miller before five pitchers — Cody Hallahan, Kyle Frank, Casey Kowalski, Peter Lompado and Nathan Kafka — closed things out. Kafka got the final two outs to pick up his sixth save of the season.
“It was important to get a win and send him off on a good note,” said Miller, who struck out five and walked one while allowing two hits. “Hopefully, we can keep it going in the postseason and get him some more wins.”

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