SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Bemidji State University Baseball Team faced University of Sioux Falls in a three-game series over the weekend, concluding with an exciting victory after two losses. The Beavers fell to the Cougars 18-7 on Saturday and 8-4 on Sunday, before bouncing back to secure an 8-6 win in the final game.
 
The Beavers earned their eighth win of the season, most under head coach Matt Ellinghuysen and most since 2021.
 
In the first game, Bemidji State rallied in the seventh inning, highlighted by their four doubles, but Sioux Falls dominated with a seven-run sixth inning and three home runs. Jack Feldman led the offense with two runs and two hits, while Beau Thoma added two runs, two RBIs, and a double. Hunter Hyden and Noah Drusch each contributed two hits, with Drusch matching Thoma's two RBIs.
 
Joey Koch started on the mound for the Beavers, pitching two innings with six earned runs, while Cayden Cincis and Riley Czech pitched in relief. Sioux Falls took an early lead in the second inning with a two-RBI double by Miller and continued to extend their advantage throughout the game, ultimately winning 18-7.
 
In the second game, Bemidji State was again challenged as they fell 8-4. Jack Feldman opened the scoring with a solo home run, and Hunter Hyden added a two-run homer, providing the Beavers a 3-0 lead through three innings. However, Sioux Falls mounted a comeback in the fourth with a decisive seven-run inning, including a three-run home run from Schafer. Despite adding a run in the sixth, Bemidji State couldn't recover, and Sioux Falls sealed the game with an 8-4 victory.
 
Finally, in a thrilling conclusion to the series, Bemidji State fought back to win 8-6. The Beavers took the lead in the third inning with a pair of sacrifice flies from Feldman and Thoma, making it 2-0. After a back-and-forth contest, Bemidji State broke the game open in the eighth with a four-run inning, highlighted by RBIs from Thoma, Feldman, and Anderson. Sioux Falls attempted a late comeback scoring four runs in the bottom of the eighth, but the Beavers held on for the win.
 
Jack Barnett was pivotal on the mound, pitching five innings and allowing just one earned run, while Jacob Smith secured the save with a solid performance going 1 1/3 allowing just one hit. He earned his third save of the season, most by a Beaver since 2017 and tied for the sixth most in a single season.
 
Bemidji State will next begin a six-game home stand beginning Wednesday with a doubleheader against University of Minnesota Crookston at the BSU Baseball Field. BSU will then host Minot State University for a four-game series Saturday-Sunday.
 
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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