Mitchell, S.D. - Tigers fall to No. 15 Concordia (NE) both times at Drake Field.
Game 1: Dakota Wesleyan 6, Concordia (NE) 16
Dakota Wesleyan University played a tough game against Concordia University (NE) that ended in a 19-6 defeat. The team showed grit at the plate, collecting 7 hits over the course of the game. J. Tharaldso led the offense with a solid 2-for-4 performance, including a double, and drove in one of the team's four RBIs. Lane Darrow, Tommy Dutton, and Caleb Meyers also each recorded an RBI, contributing to the scoring efforts, though it wasn't enough to match the explosive performance by Concordia's offense.
On the pitching side, Dakota Wesleyan struggled to contain Concordia's powerful lineup. M. Sand started the game and took the loss, giving up 8 earned runs on 9 hits in 3 innings. The bullpen, including Andrew Evenson, Nolan Dvorak, and Emmot Nathan, couldn't slow down Concordia either, allowing a combined 11 earned runs. The team also struggled with control, issuing 8 walks and hitting 4 batters throughout the game, which added to their pitching woes.
Concordia's pitching staff, led by Alex Johnson, effectively kept Dakota Wesleyan's hitters in check. Johnson allowed 5 hits and struck out 6 over 4.1 innings, with relievers Aaron Petty, Ernie Snyder, and Maverick Wylder finishing out the game without allowing significant damage. At the plate, Concordia's batters were relentless, producing 15 hits, including multiple home runs from J. Quinn, Jaeden Jordahl, Bradley Hallock, and M. Rhoades. Despite the tough loss, Dakota Wesleyan's players like Darrow and Tharaldso fought hard, showcasing solid individual performances in a challenging matchup.
Game 2: Dakota Wesleyan 4, Concordia (NE) 22
Dakota Wesleyan University faced Concordia University (NE) in a challenging game that ended with a 22-4 defeat. Despite the tough loss, Dakota Wesleyan showed some offensive spark, with Dexter Payne going 3-for-4, driving in 2 RBIs, and Lane Darrow adding a 1-for-4 effort with 1 RBI. The team's other hits came from Joseph Tharaldson, Carter Brown, and Shane Cowan, but they couldn't string together enough runs to keep pace with Concordia's offensive firepower. The team also struggled with discipline at the plate, recording 13 strikeouts and leaving 6 runners on base throughout the game.
On the mound, Dakota Wesleyan was unable to contain Concordia's explosive offense, which totaled 22 runs and 13 hits. Alexander Mizsak started the game, taking the loss after allowing 9 earned runs in 2 innings of work. Brayden Cherrey and Statton Corey came in as relievers, with Cherrey allowing 4 earned runs and Corey giving up 5. Nolan Adkisson also struggled in his 1.2 innings of relief, allowing 3 earned runs. The pitching staff walked 11 batters and hit 1, compounding the difficulty in keeping Concordia from scoring in every inning. Despite these struggles, the pitching staff did manage to get 7 strikeouts, but they were overshadowed by the consistent offensive pressure from Concordia.
Concordia's pitchers were in control throughout the game, with Braxton Greenburg (1-0) earning the win after going 5 innings, allowing 3 earned runs, and striking out 11 batters. Jake Nelms and Logan Fragomeni closed out the game with strong performances in relief, allowing just 1 earned run between them. At the plate, Concordia was relentless, with Jaidan Quinn hitting 2 home runs and driving in 5 RBIs. Bradley Hallock and Matthew Rhoades also contributed heavily, with Hallock adding a home run and 4 RBIs, and Rhoades hitting a home run and driving in 2. Despite the tough result, Dakota Wesleyan had solid individual performances, particularly from Payne and Darrow, but they were unable to match Concordia's overall depth and offensive power.
Up Next
The Tigers will conclude their regular season tomorrow at noon when they face Concordia (NE).