Tigers down NCU in the desert

TUCSON, Ariz. – The Dakota Wesleyan University baseball team picked up its first win of the Tucson Invitational against North Central University, 11-8 yesterday in Tucson, Ariz.

 The Tigers (2-7) tallied the first run of the game with a run in the second inning as Jerod Zens (Alexandria, S.D.) flied out to center field, bringing Drew DeMers (Winner, S.D.) across home plate.

 The Rams held a 5-1 lead following two runs in the third inning and three runs in the fourth frame. However, DWU answered with a four-run bottom of the fourth to regain the lead. Landon Neugebauer (Mitchell, S.D.) and Gilberto Rodriguez (San Antonio, Texas) tallied an RBI apiece in the inning.

 The Tigers went on to add six runs in the final four innings to take their first game of the Tucson Invitational.

 Chandler Bakley (Martin, S.D.) finished 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs, as DeMers went 3-for-5 with two RBIs and a pair of runs. Neugebauer finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs, while Wes Anderson (Duluth, Minn.) went 2-for-5 with two RBIs and a run. Cole Gassman (Canova, S.D.) picked up the win on the mound as he pitched four innings, striking out four batters and allowing three earned runs.

 The Tigers return to action against Valley City State University at 4 p.m. tomorrow in Tucson, Ariz.