ST. GEORGE, KAN. – Sioux Falls (7-15, 3-5 NSIC) pulled away with a four-run seventh inning to secure a 7-3 victory over Minnesota Crookston (7-11, 4-4) on Sunday. The Cougars collected 12 hits and executed well in crucial situations to earn their third conference win of the season.
How It Happened
After four scoreless innings, Sioux Falls found their rhythm in the fifth. Ryan Gouldin started with a single to left and moved to third on a wild pitch. William Edwards connected for an RBI single to left, putting USF ahead. Casey Sehr followed with a single to center, advancing Edwards to third. Noah Christenson added to the lead with a sacrifice fly to right, bringing Edwards home. Ben Serie then hit another sacrifice fly to center, scoring Sehr for a 3-0 advantage.
Minnesota Crookston responded in the sixth when Connor Bushbaum doubled down the left-field line with two outs, and Josh Dykhoff followed with a two-run home run to center, narrowing the USF lead to 3-2.
The Cougars answered decisively in the seventh. Christenson singled to center, and Nolan Drossel placed a bunt single to put two runners on. Dominic Vogel doubled down the left-field line, scoring Christenson and sending Drossel to third. Serie came through with a two-run single to center, driving in both Drossel and Vogel. Edwards later added an RBI single down the left-field line, completing the four-run inning and extending the USF lead to 7-2.
Minnesota Crookston managed one final run in the eighth when Brock Larsen homered to right, but Owen Weadge closed out the game effectively, striking out four over two scoreless innings of relief to secure the win.
Key Hitters: Ben Serie (1-for-3, 3 RBIs, sac fly, walk), William Edwards (2-for-3, 2 RBIs, walk), Dominic Vogel (2-for-5, RBI, double), Nolan Drossel (2-for-4, run)
Clutch Offense: USF tallied 12 hits, with four coming in their productive seventh inning. The Cougars used three sacrifice flies to efficiently manufacture runs.
Strong on the Mound: Jake Pruchniak earned the win, pitching 7.0 solid innings with five strikeouts while allowing three runs on seven hits. Owen Weadge handled the final six outs, striking out four while allowing no hits and working around three walks.
Up Next:
The Cougars return home for their first series in Sioux Falls next weekend, hosting St. Cloud State University at Sioux Falls Stadium. Games are scheduled for March 21st at 1:00pm, a doubleheader on March 22nd beginning at 12:00pm, and the finale on Sunday, March 23rd at 12:00pm.
For all things USF Baseball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Instagram and Twitter!
