Northwestern downs DWU in doubleheader

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Two days after playing Northwestern College, the Dakota Wesleyan University baseball team suffered two defeats to its Great Plains Athletic Conference rival, 11-5 in the first game and 4-3 in the second game, Monday in Orange City, Iowa.

 In the first game, the Red Raiders (22-16, 15-5 GPAC) opened up a 3-0 lead in the second inning. The Tigers (10-23, 6-14 GPAC) narrowed the deficit to a run after a throwing error brought a run home. One batter later, an error by the pitcher allowed Branden Oropeza (San Francisco, Calif.) to score the second run of the inning.

 Northwestern extended its lead to four runs after scoring three runs in the bottom of the third inning. After scoring a run in each of the next two innings and three in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Red Raiders pulled away from the Tigers in the first game.

 Landon Neugebauer (Mitchell, S.D.) finished 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored, as Jonathan Shani (San Francisco, Calif.) went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Gavin Reichmuth (Chandler, Ariz.) was tabbed with the loss on the mound after pitching five innings and allowing six earned runs.

 The second game was a different story as both teams played tough defense. After Colten Boudreau (St. Clement, Manitoba, Canada) tallied an RBI single to take a 1-0 lead, Northwestern took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first inning. One inning later, the Red Raiders added two more runs to take a 4-1 lead.

 The Tigers found life in the top of the fifth inning as Neugebauer scored on a throwing error by the shortstop. Moments later, Boudreau singled, plating a run. However, the late comeback fell short as DWU dropped the second game.

 Boudreau led the way as he finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs and Neugebauer went 1-for-2 at the plate with a run scored. Dillon Stadlman (Parkston, S.D.) took the loss as he pitched six innings, struck out four batters and allowed four runs.

 The Tigers conclude their home season as they host Morningside College at 3 p.m. tomorrow in Mitchell, S.D.