Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports and Marketing Information Director
Dickinson, N.D. – Dickinson State swept a North Star Athletic Association doubleheader from Dakota State on Saturday at DCB&T Ballpark, winning 6-2 in the opener and 6-5 in extra innings during Strike Out Cancer Awareness Day.
In game one, sophomore right-hander Tate Williams threw a complete game, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits with three strikeouts and one walk over 7.0 innings to improve to 2-3. Dickinson State (14-23, 6-6 NSAA) scored in four different innings and pulled away with a three-run sixth.
Junior Wyatt Wilharm led the Blue Hawks with two hits and two RBIs, including a two-run single in the sixth. Sophomore Jace Buchanan added two RBIs on a single and a bases-loaded walk. Junior Luis Rodriguez hit a solo home run to center in the fourth inning, and junior Sawyer Bryner scored three runs as a pinch runner and stole home in the first. Dickinson State totaled seven hits and committed one error while capitalizing on three Trojan miscues.
Dakota State (19-18, 6-6 NSAA) tied the game in the third on an RBI double by Watt and added a solo home run from DeMaria in the sixth. Starter Vikemyr took the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) over four innings. Bear and Urbom allowed three runs over the next two innings.
In game two, Buchanan's RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning gave Dickinson State a 6-5 walk-off win. Buchanan finished 3-for-5 with one RBI, one run scored, a walk, and two strikeouts.
After five scoreless innings, Dickinson State broke through in the sixth. Gonzalez scored on a double by freshman Jadyn Roberts, and Roberts came home on a single from junior Moses Dokes to make it 2-0.
Dakota State responded with three runs in the seventh. Haller tied the game with a two-run double, and Portner followed with an RBI double to give the visitors a 3-2 lead. Dickinson State answered immediately. Gonzalez tied the game with an RBI double, and Rodriguez delivered a two-run single to center to make it 5-3.
The Trojans forced extras with two unearned runs in the ninth. After a walk and an error, Altwine scored on a fielder's choice and Kittridge tied the game with an RBI single. Dickinson State left the bases loaded in the bottom half but finished it in the 10th. Dokes led off with a single and was replaced by senior Nathaniel Jilek. After a hit-by-pitch and two outs, Buchanan drove a single to center to bring in Jilek with the winning run.
Rodriguez went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Gonzalez added two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI. Dokes was 2-for-5 with an RBI, and Roberts contributed a double, a run, and an RBI. Dickinson State recorded 11 hits and drew five walks.
Senior Trent Richter allowed three runs over 6.2 innings with five strikeouts. Carlos Molina Jr. pitched two innings in relief, giving up two unearned runs. Sophomore Trent Chavez earned his first win after a scoreless 10th inning.
Dakota State collected 10 hits, including multi-hit games from Perry and Watt. Haller and Portner drove in three runs combined in the seventh, while Kittridge added an RBI in the ninth. Leighty took the loss after allowing the game-winning run in 3.2 innings.
Dickinson State honored cancer survivors, families, and supporters as part of Strike Out Cancer Awareness Day. Players wore pink accents and in-game recognitions supported those affected by cancer.
With the sweep, Dickinson State moves to 14-23 overall and 6-6 in NSAA play. Dakota State falls to 19-18 and 6-6 in conference action. The Blue Hawks return to conference play next weekend on the road.
