BRANDON, S.D. – The Bemidji State University Baseball team faced a tough series against Southwest Minnesota State University over the weekend at Aspen Park in Brandon, S.D., suffering four consecutive losses by scores of 8-2, 5-2, 13-1, and 10-3 in their Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference series.
 
**Game 1 Overview:**
Bemidji State fell to Southwest Minnesota State in game one of their series 8-2 Friday afternoon in seven innings. The Beavers opened the game with a hit from Noah Drusch in the first inning, but a double play ended their chance to score. The Mustangs quickly took the lead with a double by Jace Cortez, making it 1-0. In the second inning, Matt Filippi walked and stole second, scoring on a single from Dylen Hedley to tie the game at 1-1. However, the Mustangs regained the lead in the fourth with a solo home run from Cortez and expanded their lead significantly in the fifth and sixth innings. Beau Thoma's solo home run in the seventh inning closed the gap to 8-2.
 
**Game 1 Player Highlights:**
- **Pitching:** Brandon Lind pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and four earned runs while striking out eight batters.
- **Offense:** Beau Thoma had a home run and an RBI, contributing one assist from shortstop. Noah Drusch secured a hit, a walk, and a stolen base, while Dylan Hedley added an RBI.
 
**Game 2 Overview:**
In the second game, Bemidji State fell narrowly by a score of 5-2. The Beavers struggled in the first inning, recording three strikeouts, while the Mustangs scored three runs, including a two-run homer. The Beavers responded with a run in the second inning when Hunter Hyden scored after walking and advancing on wild pitches. Drusch hit a solo home run in the fourth, narrowing the gap to 4-2. The Mustangs added another run in the seventh, concluding the game at 5-2.
 
**Game 2 Player Highlights:**
- **Pitching:** Jacob Smith pitched four innings with three earned runs, while Beau Barry struck out seven batters over 3 2/3 innings, allowing one earned run.
- **Offense:** Noah Drusch hit a home run and contributed a stolen base, while Hunter Hyden reached base via a walk and scored a run.
 
**Game 3 Overview:**
The Beavers faced a challenging game one on Saturday, falling to Southwest Minnesota 13-1 in seven innings. Bemidji State struggled in the first inning, going out quickly. The Mustangs took control with two runs in the first and two more in the second. A disastrous third inning for the Beavers saw Southwest Minnesota score seven runs. The Beavers managed to score one run in the sixth inning through Drusch's RBI single.
 
**Game 3 Player Highlights:**
- **Pitching:** Derek Hoffman pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing eight earned runs. Devon Cook had a strong outing with four strikeouts in two innings.
- **Offense:** Noah Drusch had two hits and one RBI, while Zach Evenson contributed one hit.
 
**Game 4 Overview:**
In the final game of the series, Bemidji State lost 10-3. The Beavers showed signs of life in the fourth inning with Evenson's solo home run, making it 1-1 before the Mustangs rallied for six runs to lead 7-1. The Beavers added a run in the fifth and another in the ninth but couldn't close the gap, finishing the game at 10-3.
 
**Game 4 Player Highlights:**
- **Pitching:** Josh Haugen pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven earned runs. Cole Smith struck out three batters over three innings.
- **Offense:** Beau Thoma went 3-for-5 with a double, while Zach Evenson hit a home run and Hunter Hyden added two RBIs.
 
Despite the series losses, the Beavers displayed resilience and flashes of offensive potential throughout the games.
 
Bemidji State will look to rebound next weekend with a four-game series against Winona State University scheduled to be in Bemidji, weather permitting.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State baseball program, follow the Beavers on X, like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram.
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

--bsu—