DICKINSON, N.D. — Dickinson State used strong pitching and late-inning execution to sweep a Frontier Conference doubleheader from Valley City State on Friday, winning 4-0 in the opener and 9-4 in game two.
In game one, Dickinson State (23-12) broke through in the sixth inning to secure the win behind a complete-game shutout from Hope Fath.
After five scoreless innings on both sides, the Blue Hawks capitalized on timely hitting in the sixth. Stocktyn Stevenson reached on a single and moved into scoring position before Celina Wilharm delivered an RBI single to open the scoring. Following a fielder's choice, Kiley Hubby added an RBI single to extend the lead to 2-0.
Dickinson State continued to apply pressure as a pair of wild pitches allowed another run to score. Viennah Meyer followed with an RBI single to cap a four-run inning and give the Blue Hawks a 4-0 advantage.
Fath controlled the game in the circle, allowing three hits over seven innings while striking out four. She worked efficiently throughout, limiting Valley City State to minimal scoring opportunities and securing the shutout.
The Blue Hawks finished with five hits in the game, with Wilharm, Hubby, and Meyer each recording RBIs.
In game two, Dickinson State (24-12) used early offense and a decisive seventh inning to complete the sweep.
The Blue Hawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Wilharm reached and scored, Brooke Lijewski came home on a steal, and Jaydin Sabol added an RBI single.
Valley City State responded with two runs in the first and tied the game in the third inning at 4-4 following a two-run sequence highlighted by extra-base hits.
Dickinson State regained the lead earlier in the game with an RBI single from Octavia Meyer in the third inning, but the contest remained even heading into the final innings.
In the seventh, the Blue Hawks broke the game open with five runs. Viennah Meyer led off with a single, and Stevenson followed with a base hit. Wilharm reached on an error that allowed two runs to score. Hubby added an RBI on a sacrifice play, and Sabol delivered a two-run single to extend the lead to 9-4.
Reagan King earned the win in relief, throwing five innings and allowing two hits while striking out five. She entered in the third inning and held Valley City State scoreless the rest of the way.
Dickinson State totaled 13 hits in the second game, with Stevenson, Wilharm, Hubby, Meyer, and Sabol each contributing multiple hits. Sabol finished with three RBIs, while Hubby added two.
The Blue Hawks will continue conference play Saturday April 10th against Valley City State. First game of the doubleheader is at 11:30am, with VCSU being the home team both games.
