Tucson, Ariz. - Dakota Wesleyan baseball tops D2 Nothern State and falls to DSU.
Game 1: Dakota Wesleyan 14, Northern State (S.D.) 13
In a thrilling showdown between Northern State University and the Dakota Wesleyan Tigers, the Tigers came out on top with a 14-13 victory. Despite a strong offensive performance from Northern State, who scored consistently throughout the game, the Tigers' explosive 8-run rally in the 6th inning proved to be the game-changer. Leading the charge for Dakota Wesleyan was Mason Riley, who delivered a powerful performance at the plate, hitting a home run and driving in four RBIs. Lane Darrow also had an impressive outing, going 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs, showcasing his ability to produce in clutch situations. The team's offensive depth was clear, with several players contributing key hits and driving in runs.
On the mound, Dakota Munger set the tone early, pitching 6 innings, allowing 6 hits, and striking out 4 while keeping Northern State's offense in check. Although the pitching staff faced some struggles, especially with Caleb Meyers and Logan Miller giving up runs in later innings, they held strong in crucial moments, with Broc Berry closing the game out with a strong final appearance. Dakota Wesleyan's defense also played a crucial role, with players like Joseph Tharaldson contributing with stellar plays in the field to back up their pitchers.
The Tigers showed resilience throughout the game, never letting up despite Northern State's constant pressure. The 14 runs scored highlighted their offensive firepower, while their pitching, despite some challenges, managed to close out the game effectively.
Game 1: Dakota Wesleyan 4, Dickinson State 6
In a competitive matchup, Dakota Wesleyan (SD) fell to Dickinson State (ND) with a 6-4 final score. Despite a strong late-game rally, the Tigers couldn't overcome an early deficit. Dickinson State jumped out to a 6-0 lead after the first four innings, highlighted by home runs from John-Michael Gonzalez Jr. and Jadyn Roberts. The Tigers showed signs of life in the bottom of the 6th, scoring all four of their runs, with Dexter Payne driving in two RBIs and Mason Riley adding another. However, the damage done in the early innings proved too much to overcome.
Mitchell Sand pitched a solid 6 innings for Dakota Wesleyan, allowing 10 hits and 6 runs while striking out 9. Although he kept his team in the game with some key strikeouts, the Dickinson State offense was too potent, capitalizing on early mistakes. The Tigers also struggled to make consistent contact against Dickinson State's pitchers, with Jacob Scully earning 4 strikeouts in 5 innings and Noah Aliff and Dax Chitty finishing off the game. Chitty was particularly effective, earning the save with a scoreless 9th inning despite giving up a hit.
The Tigers' late rally, which saw Caleb Meyers, Dexter Payne, and Mason Riley drive in the team's runs, demonstrated their resilience, but ultimately, Dickinson State's early offensive explosion and effective pitching sealed the win.
Up Next
The Tigers will have two games tomorrow against D2 Northern State for a double header.