WAYNE, Neb. – The Bemidji State University Baseball team faced Wayne State College (18-9, 10-4 NSIC) in a doubleheader Saturday at Pete Chapman Complex in Wayne, Neb., losing both games with scores of 11-5 and 26-15.
 
In the first game, Bemidji State managed to tally 11 hits, including two doubles, and scored in four different innings. However, Wayne State College capitalized on a six-run sixth inning, highlighted by four home runs, to secure the 11-5 victory. Matt Filippi led Bemidji State with two runs, three hits, and one RBI, including a double and a stolen base. Nash Rubins also contributed with two hits in four at-bats, while Jack Feldman recorded two hits and one RBI. Noah Drusch scored a run and added a double to his single hit in the game.
 
Beau Barry started for Bemidji State, pitching 3 2/3 innings and allowing four earned runs on seven hits, while issuing five walks and striking out one batter. Jack Barnett pitched in relief, allowing five earned runs on five hits, including three home runs, in 1 1/3 innings. Ethan Biehn pitched 2/3 of an inning, allowing two earned runs on two hits, and Connor Donlin recorded one out without allowing any hits or runs.
 
The Wildcats took an early lead in the first inning after Cade Cunningham homered to left field, bringing in Michael Heard for two runs, making it 2-0. In the third inning, Matt Filippi walked and scored on an RBI single by Hudson Filippi, narrowing the gap to 2-1. WSC extended its lead in the fourth inning with two runs, followed by Bemidji State responding in the fifth with a run from Hunter Hyden on a wild pitch. However, the Wildcats added another run with a solo home run by Cameron Prychak, ending the inning at 5-2.
 
In the sixth inning, Bemidji State added two runs, but WSC surged ahead with six runs, extending its lead to 11-4. Finally, Bemidji State managed one more run in the seventh inning when Noah Drusch doubled and scored on a double by Matt Filippi, concluding the game with a final score of 11-5 in favor of the Wildcats.
 
The second game saw Bemidji State's offense shine with three home runs and two triples, contributing to its 15 runs on 14 hits. Despite this strong offensive showing, the Wildcats countered with a staggering 26 runs on 16 hits, including four home runs. Jack Feldman made a significant impact, tying a program record with eight RBIs, tallying four hits, including a home run. Beau Thoma extended his hitting streak to 19 games, contributing with a triple and a home run while adding an RBI. Noah Drusch recorded two hits and drove in two runs with a home run, while Adrian Falcon added two hits and two RBIs.
 
Joey Koch started for Bemidji State, pitching 1 1/3 innings and allowing eight earned runs on four hits, including one home run. Andrew Murphy provided relief, throwing three innings with five strikeouts but also giving up five earned runs on five hits, including two home runs. Riley Czech allowed five earned runs in a brief appearance, while Quintin Selway did not record an out, issuing two walks and throwing a wild pitch. Connor Donlin pitched 1 1/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on one hit and three walks, with Carter Scanlon and Bret Inman unable to register an out, allowing a combined five earned runs on three hits.
 
Bemidji State started strong in the second game, as Drusch hit a two-run homer. The Wildcats responded, tying the game at 2-2. In the second inning, Bemidji State added five runs, highlighted by Feldman's grand slam followed by Thoma's solo homer. Wayne State answered with six runs, including a grand slam from Cunningham, making the score 8-7 in favor of the Wildcats. Bemidji State reclaimed the lead in the third inning and extended it in the fourth, but Wayne State surged ahead in the fifth with a seven-run inning. The Wildcats secured the win in the seventh with eight runs, culminating in a 26-15 victory for Wayne State College.
 
The Beavers will attempt to bounce back in their series finale tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is slated for Noon.
 
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).

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