TUCSON, Ariz. – The Dickinson State University (DSU) baseball team split a pair of games against Benedictine University at Mesa on Tuesday afternoon. The Blue Hawks fell 5-3 in game one but responded with an 14-8 victory in game two. With the split, the Blue Hawks move to 7-11 on the year.
Game One: Dickinson State 3, Benedictine University at Mesa 5
The Redhawks got things rolling in the bottom of the first inning on back-to-back singles by BU's Lorduy and Carlos to give them the early 2-0 lead.
After a scoreless second inning, the Blue Hawks cut the lead down to one after Mathias Dufner connected for an RBI single to left field to score Nathaniel Jilek. However, BU responded with a two-run inning to bump their lead back up to three (4-1). BU tagged on another run in the bottom of the fifth on a homerun by Fitzgerald to extend their lead to 5-1.
Unable to get anything offensively going in the sixth, the Blue Hawks started their comeback rally with a lead-off double by Jacob Clinton to start the final inning. On the next at-bat, teammate Cade Ostenson connected for a two-run bomb over the right field fence to cut the lead to 5-3. With one out, the Blue Hawks got back a runner into scoring position after Dawson Cortese reached base on an error by the right fielder and advanced to second on the same error. Mathias Dufner followed with a single of his own to place two runners on base with one out. However, the rally came up short after back-to-back strikeouts ended the final inning.
From the Box Score –
Of the team's nine hits in the loss, Mathias Dufner led the way going 3-4 with an RBI. Jacob Clinton added two hits, while Cade Ostenson, Derrick Calvillo, Dawson Cortese, and Kobe Krenz added the final four hits.
From the mound, Jonathan Lerma took the loss as he let up four runs (3ER) off six hits in four innings pitched. He added one walk, while striking out four. John Koronka pitched the final two innings and let up one run (1ER) off two hits.
Game Two: Dickinson State 14, Benedictine University at Mesa 8
Big innings by both teams was the trend of the game as the Redhawks posted a five-run, second inning for the early lead. However, the Blue Hawks responded – in a big way – in the bottom of the third to take over the lead.
After a DSU strikeout to start off the inning, DSU landed on base after back-to-back walks by BIU's Appenzeller. Cade Ostenson connected for an RBI single to right field to score Kobe Krenz. After the third walk of the inning – drawn by Derrick Calvillo to load the bases, Jacob Clinton would cross home in a leisurely fashion after a bases loaded walk by Dawson Cortese. After a pitching change by BU, Mathias Dufner singled to left field to bring home Ostenson and Calvillo. Dufner would advance to second on the same play after an error by the left fielder. After another walk by BU to load the bases, the BU pitching staff walked in back-to-back runs on the next at-bats with the bases loaded to give the Blue Hawks the 6-5 lead. With the bases still loaded, Kobe Krenz connected for a two-RBI single to center field to bring home Cortese and Nieto for the eight-run, third inning.
The Blue Hawks continued their offensive pressure over the next two innings – jumping their lead up to nine, 14-5. DSU added two in the fourth – off a two-run homerun by Richie Corttese – and four in the fifth for another six runs. Although the Redhawks got things rolling with a three-run inning during the sixth, it was not enough as the DSU defense stayed dominant in the final inning to come away with the 14-8 win.
From the Box Score –
Although the Blue Hawks were outhit in the contest, 12-10, they stayed poised in the batter's box – scoring three runs off walks. Three Blue Hawks had multiple hits in the game in Mathias Dufner, Richie Cortese, and Kobe Krenz. Teammates Jacob Clinton, Cade Ostenson, Derrick Calvillo, and Alberto Nieto aided the offense with the final four hits. Dufner led the team with four RBIs in the win, while Calvillo, Dawson Cortese, Richie Cortese, and Kobe Krenz added two each.
From the mound, Trent Richter grabbed the win as he threw for three innings – letting up five runs (5ER) off seven hits in 12 batters faced. Teammates Cade Kazmirski, Jackson Schaubel, and Tyler Gray came in for relief during the final four innings.
Up Next –
The Blue Hawks are back in action against Williston State College on Wednesday. The Blue Hawks square off against WSC at 12 p.m. in a scrimmage.
