Baseball Sweeps DWU in Four Game Set

Baseball closed out their four-game set at Dakota Wesleyan on Sunday afternoon and posted a pair of wins, 2-1 and 6-4. The Tigers improved to 33-9 on the season and 19-5 in GPAC play.

In game one, Dakota Wesleyan plated a run in the first inning to take an initial 1-0 lead. In the fourth inning, Joe Osborn doubled to drive in Nate Mensik and Carson Baker to put Doane in front, 2-1.

Dakota Wesleyan put the tying run on base with a two-out hit in the sixth and seventh innings, however, Doane starter Kaden Crawford was able to close the door on the DWU rally each time.

Crawford threw a complete game for Doane as he went 7.0 innings, allowing one run on five hits and a walk while striking out a season-high nine batters. The nine strikeouts ties his career high.

Doane had six hits in the game, all from different batters. Osborn was joined by Justin Nevells with a double in the game.

In the second game, Doane struck first as Osborn scored on an errant throw following a bunt single by Nevells. Dakota Wesleyan took the lead in the second inning with a two-run home run.

Doane regained the lead in the fourth inning on a two-out double by Mensik. Aaron Vulcano and Brayden Jones scored on a hit for a 3-2 Doane lead. DWU tied the game in the bottom of the fourth on a double.

Mensik put the Tigers back in front, 4-3, in the sixth inning with a double to plate Dane Kelsey. In the seventh inning, Logan Amick had a pinch-hit single with the bases loaded to drive in Noah Winkelman and Dane Kelsey. DWU had a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh to pull within two runs, 6-4.

In the ninth inning, Dakota Wesleyan started the inning with a leadoff double. Following two outs recorded in the infield, DWU drew a walk to bring the winning run to the plate. Isaiah Miller stuck out the final batter to end the game.

Broc Songster started for the Tigers and went 5.0 innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out four. Miller picked up the save as he went 4.0 innings, allowing one run on two hits and a walk while striking out three.

Doane finished with eight hits in the game, led by Mensik going 2-for-4 with three RBI. Osborn was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Kelsey scored twice to lead the Tigers.

Next up for Doane is the final four games of the regular season. The Tigers play host to Morningside on April 26-27 in Crete. First pitch on Friday is set for 1:00 PM.