Mount Marty Shut Out by Dakota Wesleyan in 3-0 Loss
MITCHELL, S.D. – The Mount Marty Lancers struggled offensively in a tough 3-0 loss to Dakota Wesleyan on Tuesday. The Tigers (11-19, 10-3 GPAC) broke a scoreless tie with a three-run sixth inning, while Alexander Mizsak tossed a complete-game shutout to stifle the Lancers (16-13, 5-8 GPAC).
Pitcher's Duel Through Five
Both starting pitchers dominated through the first five innings. Mount Marty's Jacob Walker, making his first start of the season, matched Dakota Wesleyan's Mizsak pitch for pitch, keeping hitters off balance and limiting opportunities.
Walker (0-1) was sharp through the first five frames, allowing just four hits and striking out five before running into trouble in the sixth.
Dakota Wesleyan Breaks Through in the Sixth
After a leadoff single by Joseph Tharaldson, Tommy Dutton followed with another base hit, putting two runners on. Ean Laird then doubled down the line to drive in the first run of the game. Landon Ruesink added the big blow, a two-run single that extended the Tigers' lead to 3-0.
Lancers Unable to Capitalize
Mount Marty had their chances, recording six hits in the game, but struggled to string them together. The Lancers' best opportunity came in the second and fourth innings, but Dakota Wesleyan's defense turned two key double plays to erase any scoring threats.
Game Notes:
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Jacob Walker's strong start: 5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 5 K, 97 pitches
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Lancers' offense held in check: 6 hits, 0 extra-base hits, 11 groundouts
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Dakota Wesleyan defense shines: 2 double plays, error-free performance
- RBI leaders for DWU: Laird (1), Ruesink (2)
Lancers Rally Late to Top Dakota Wesleyan, Earn Split
MITCHELL, S.D. – Mount Marty battled back from an early deficit to score two runs in the seventh and take down Dakota Wesleyan 4-3 in Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader, earning a hard-fought split on the road.
After being shut out in Game 1, the Lancers (17-12, 6-7 GPAC) responded with grit, taking advantage of key at-bats and a strong relief outing from Zach Hegge to halt the Tigers (11-20, 11-4 GPAC) in their tracks.
Seventh-Inning Surge Seals It
Down 3-2 heading into the top of the 7th, Mount Marty capitalized on free passes and timely execution. Jalen Owens worked a walk and stole second before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Shugo Kondo to tie the game. Moments later, Will Gardner delivered the biggest swing of the game, ripping a triple to right-center to drive in Tyler Vance and give the Lancers the go-ahead run.
Balanced Offense Despite Limited Hits
Mount Marty only recorded five hits, but made the most of them:
The Lancers swiped five bases in the game, putting pressure on the defense and forcing mistakes.
Hegge Slams the Door
Reliever Zach Hegge (1-0) was lights out, tossing four shutout innings in relief of Jake Stolnack, who battled through the first three. Hegge allowed four hits but walked none and struck out two on just 28 pitches (75% strikes), shutting down the Tigers' offense after their 3-run third inning.
Game Highlights:
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Pitching:
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Fielding:
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MMU turned a key double play (Gokie to Kampshoff)
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Dakota Wesleyan committed one error, which opened the door for Mount Marty in the 7th
