HILO, HAWAII – The University of Sioux Falls baseball team kept its early-season momentum rolling with a doubleheader sweep over Hawaii Hilo on Saturday at Francis Wong Stadium. The Cougars secured a 10-6 win in Game 1 before closing out the day with a 5-2 victory in Game 2, improving to 3-0 on the season.
How It Happened:
Game 1 – Sioux Falls 10, Hawaii Hilo 6
The Cougars exploded for six runs over the sixth and seventh innings to pull away from Hawaii Hilo. Dominic Vogel led the offensive charge, going 2-for-2 with a double and an RBI while drawing three walks. Mitch Iliff added two hits, including a double, and stole a base.
Sioux Falls struck early with a two-run first inning. The Cougars' big sixth inning was fueled by clutch hitting and defensive miscues from the Vulcans, allowing them to take control. The Vulcans managed a few late inning runs themselves, with 6 crossing the plate over the 7th and 8th innings, making it a two-run game heading into the 9th. But the Cougars responded with 2 in the top of the 9th to give some breathing room.
On the mound, Logan Anderson started and worked into the seventh inning, picking up the win. Dylan Immel shut the door in the ninth to earn the save.
Game 2 – Sioux Falls 5, Hawaii Hilo 2
In the nightcap, Sioux Falls rode a dominant pitching performance from Jake Ammann, who went the distance in a seven-inning complete game. Ammann allowed just two runs on eight hits while striking out seven and walking only one.
Jackson Yeager delivered the highlight of the game, launching a solo home run as part of his two-hit performance. The Cougars scored in the second, fifth, and seventh innings, with clutch RBIs from Iliff, Ben Serie, and Yeager.
The Cougars' defense was sharp behind Ammann, committing just one error while turning key outs in the late innings to seal the win.
Up Next:
The Cougars finish their series against the Vulcans in another double-header today, February 9th, starting at 5:00pm (CST).
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