FAYETTE, IOWA – Junior outfielder
Ryan Bernardy had a pair of hits and two RBI but the University of Sioux Falls Baseball Team (10-31, 8-20 NSIC) dropped a 10-4 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference decision to Upper Iowa at Robertson Woods Field on Saturday (April 20).
In the final of a three-game series, the Cougars jumped to a quick 3-0 lead but the Peacocks rebounded with 10 unanswered runs to earn the series win. USF and UIU had split a doubleheader on Friday with the Peacocks winning, 1-0, in a pitcher's duel before USF had a 7-1 decision in game two.
USF scored three runs in the first inning as a two-run triple by Bernardy helped USF take the early lead. However, UIU scored two runs in the third and added a single run in the fourth inning, four more in the fifth inning and three in the six inning to create a 10-3 lead. USF cut into the lead on a sacrifice fly by Trey Huber in the top of the eighth inning.
USF starter
Jackson Olson worked 3 1/3 innings but was not involved in the decision. He allowed seven hits, three runs while recording a strikeout and issuing a walk in face 17 batters. USF relief ace
Christian Lazar stopped a threat by the Peacocks in the fourth after UIU had tied the game. He retired both batters he faced. Freshman
Sean Nussbaum (0-3) took the loss after working one-third of an inning and allowing three hits, a walk and four earning runs. Also pitching for USF was
Spencer Dokken (1 1/3 innings, three runs, three hits),
Payton Livingston (1/3 inning, no runs, two hit batters) and
Charles Roskowiak, who finished for USF. Roskowiak allowed just one hit while registering two strikeouts in two innings.
Blake Thiesse (2-1) of UIU picked up his second win in three decisions. He allowed four hits, three runs (all unearned) with four strikeouts and walked two hitters.
Bernardy had two hits in three triples with a triple and scored a run.
Alex Robinson had two runs scored and
Josh Rehwaldt had a hit and run scored as the Cougars collected five hits.
Zack Cain led UIU with three hits while Emmett Kulick, AJ Friedrich, Hogan Penny, who hit a two-run home run, and Dalton Steere each had a pair of hits.
USF will next be in action against DI South Dakota State at 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 23 in Brookings.
