Mitchell, S.D. - Dakota Wesleyan split a doubleheader with Mount Marty winning 3-0 in the first game but falling 4-3 in the second.
Game 1: Dakota Wesleyan 3, Mount Marty 0
Dakota Wesleyan delivered a masterful 3-0 victory over Mount Marty at Drake Field. Behind the stellar pitching of Alexander Mizsak, who tossed a complete-game shutout, the Tigers improved to 11-19 overall and 10-3 in the GPAC. Mizsak struck out two batters and scattered six hits while walking just one, showcasing his ability to command the game from the mound. The Tigers' defense was solid, with no errors committed, and they limited Mount Marty's chances throughout the game.
Despite a quiet offensive start, Dakota Wesleyan broke the game open in the top of the sixth inning, scoring all three of their runs. Ean Laird provided the go-ahead RBI, driving in a run with a double, while Landon Ruesink came through with a two-RBI single to seal the victory. The Tigers' offense, while not explosive, executed when it mattered most, with timely hitting and base-running that kept Mount Marty's defense on its toes. Joseph Tharaldson and Dexter Payne both had key hits in the pivotal sixth inning, contributing to the team's offensive output.
Mount Marty struggled to generate any offensive momentum, managing just six hits in the game. Jacob Walker took the loss for the Lancers, pitching 5.2 innings and allowing three earned runs on seven hits, while striking out five. Despite his solid outing, Mount Marty's offense could not break through against Mizsak's pitching, leaving the Lancers scoreless and failing to capitalize on a few scoring opportunities.
Game 2: Dakota Wesleyan 4, Mount Marty 3
Dakota Wesleyan put together a strong overall performance despite falling just short in a 4-3 loss to Mount Marty at Drake Field. The Tigers outhit the Lancers 8-5 and executed a productive third inning in which they plated all three of their runs. Key contributors included Joseph Tharaldson, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI, and Lane Darrow, who also tallied a pair of hits from the leadoff spot. The Tigers consistently put pressure on Mount Marty's pitching, leaving five runners on base and demonstrating solid plate discipline throughout the contest.
On the mound, Dakota Wesleyan showed depth in its pitching rotation. Starter Caleb Meyers delivered a solid outing over five innings, allowing only four hits and two earned runs while striking out four. His 76-pitch performance kept the game close and gave DWU a chance to stay competitive. In relief, Brayden Cherrey faced control issues with five walks in 1.2 innings, but limited the damage to two runs. Broc Berry closed the seventh with a quick three-pitch outing, retiring the only batter he faced via strikeout. As a staff, DWU held Mount Marty to just five hits and one extra-base hit after the third inning.
Defensively, the Tigers were mostly clean, committing just one error on a groundball in the fourth. The infield turned multiple key outs and held Mount Marty's baserunners in check outside of a few timely steals.
Up Next
The Tigers will host Mount Marty on Sunday for a double header slated at 1:00 p.m. to finish the series.