DOMINANT EFFORTS FROM SAND AND MIZSAK LEAD TIGERS TO BACK-TO-BACK SHUTOUT WINS OVER MUSTANGS
Mitchell, S.D. – The Tigers earned the two-game sweep over the Morningside Mustangs with back-to-back shutouts in the 17 innings played. In game on DWU earned the 1-0 extra inning win thanks to a dominant effort from their starter Mitchell Sand who went nine innings of shutout, no decision ball. Logan Davis came on in relief tossing a scoreless 10th and earned the win when Landon Ruesink connected on a game winning single to left center that scored Seth Christiansen from second. In game two it was again a huge performance from a Tiger starter as Alexander Mizsak went seven complete innings for the shutout win while collecting six punchouts and zero walks. DWU did all their damage in the third inning scoring six runs thanks to some timely hits and quality at bats. The preseason picked number three Mustangs drop to 13-8 (0-2 in GPAC play) with the pair of loses while the last place preseason picked Tigers improve to 8-10 (2-0 in GPAC play).
The Dakota Wesleyan pitching staff was in complete control and dominated from start to finish with their just 13 hits and two walks allowed in 17 innings. The Mustangs were only able to get three runners to third base the entire day with all three coming in game one. Mizsak in game two never allowed a runner to reach third base. It wasn't all the arms though as the defense behind the starters played a perfect two games with zero errors while turning four double plays on the day.
When head coach Charlie Dubanoski was asked about the two dominant efforts by his starters after the game he had this to say, "Starting pitching absolutely led the way. Sand and Mizsak both were really good getting ahead early and putting up zeros. They both worked quick and kept our defense in it who was also lights out today." At the plate Dubanoski had this to add "I thought we put a lot of good at bats together in game one, but couldn't get stuff to drop. Huge for Landon to step up with two outs and two strikes in the 10th to walk it off for us." "In game two we took advantage of one bad inning for them and showed discipline and patience at the plate, which was good to see from our guys. It was a great team effort today and we knew that's what it would take to compete with a really good Morningside team."
Quick Stats Game 1:
Hitters-
- Landon Ruesink – 3 for 5, GW RBI
- Seth Christiansen – 2 for 5, 2B, R
Pitchers-
- Mitchell Sand – 9.0 innings, 7 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K- ND
- Logan Davis – 1.0 inning, 1 H, 0 ER, K- Win (2-0)
Quick Stats Game 2:
Hitters-
- Seth Christiansen – 1 for 3, 2B, R, RBI
- Caleb Meyers – 1 for 2, R, RBI
Pitchers-
- Alexander Mizsak – 7.0 innings, 5 H, 0 ER, 6 K- CG SO Win
Up Next: The Dakota Wesleyan Baseball team hits the road for a two game series against Northwestern in Orange City, Iowa Saturday, March 16th with first pitch at 12:00 p.m.
