PITTSBURG, Kan. – The University of Sioux Falls Baseball Team (0-3) produced eight hits, including three from Rob Johnson, but dropped a 14-8 decision to Pittsburg State (3-4) to conclude the season-opening three-game nonconference series.

Johnson, a junior centerfielder, continued to lead the offense with three hits and a walk in four at bats. Senior outfielder Noah Durkin was 2-of-4 with two runs scored and a walk. Junior Matthew Minnick drove in three runs while junior Brent Griffing-Jarvis had a base hit and RBI. Senior Gunner Peterson had two hits, including a triple, and run scored.

Starter Dan Johnson was one of 10 USF pitchers in the game. Johnson, who worked 1 2/3 innings, allowed two earned runs and two hits with a strikeout. Also toeing the slab was Chris Thompson (1/3, 1 run, two hits, two walks), who took the loss and fell to 0-1 on the season. Others pitching on Sunday included Christian Lazar (inning, strikeout, no hits), Aaron Nordike (inning, two runs, two walks, HBP), Tanner Chambers (two runs, two walks), Mitchell Lyall (inning, hit, strikeout), Connor Oestreich (inning, two runs, two hits, two walks), Ryan Patrick (inning, three runs, two hits, three walks), Jackson Olson (1/3, one run, hit, walk) and Cody Blackwell (2/3, no hits, no runs).

Both teams struggled with their control as a total of 24 batters reached via walk and four others were hit by pitch. In total, the Cougars had 14 walks and three HBP.
After PSU opened up a 3-0 advantage, the Cougars responded to tie the game with a three-spot in the top of the third inning, energized by a triple from Peterson. Minnick had an RBI as Peterson, Noah Durkin and Rob Johnson scored during the inning.

The Gorillas broke the deadlock in the bottom of the third, picking up a run off reliever Chris Thompson, who replaced starter Dan Johnson in the second. Reliever Christian Lazar limited the damage to one run by retiring two hitters, including a strikeout to end a threat.

However in the fifth, the Gorillas piled up four runs with the benefit of just one hit. PSU added two more runs in the sixth with just one hit for 10-3 lead as USF's control issues continued.

USF, which left 10 runners on base, had opportunities for more runs. The Cougars loaded the bases in the seventh and Minnick's 2nd RBI of the game brought home Cole Sweeney, who had reached by walk.  

In the eighth, the Cougars drew closer with four runs on just one hit and two errors by PSU. USF loaded the bases in the eighth with an RBI fielder's choice from Sweeney bringing home Griffing-Jarvis. A fielding error by PSU brought home Trevor Crow. Walks to Minnick and Lopez enabled two more runs to score as Cougars drew within 13-8. The Gorillas closed the scoring by adding a single tally in the bottom of the eighth inning.

USF is off until Feb. 24 when they head to Denver, Colo., for a four-game series with Metro State.

Notes -- Through three games junior centerfielder Rob Johnson is hitting .750 with six hits in eight at bats and three walks. He has four doubles among his hits and an OBP of .833. He owns a 1.250 slugging pct. As a team, the Cougars are hitting .340 with a .580 combined slugging percentage and .455 OBP. Senior outfielder Trevor Crow is hitting .500 with five hits, slugging percentage of 1.300, OBP of .545, two HRs and a team-best seven RBI. Junior catcher Connor Merriam, who is hitting .455, had five hits, two HR and five RBI with a slugging percentage of 1.000. Senior shortstop Gunner Peterson is hitting .385 with five hits, .538 slugging mark and .385 OBP. The Cougars have four steals, .935 fielding percentage and 14 total extra base hits.