Winona State University announces WSU takes two from USF, qualifies for NSIC postseason
WINONA, Minn. - The Winona State University baseball team won two of the three games in their series against the University of Sioux Falls played over Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6, and with the wins, qualified for the 2023 NSIC Baseball Tournament.
Winona State and USF began play Friday afternoon but were force to suspend game one due to lightning Friday evening; when the teams returned on Saturday, WSU won 6-5 on a bases-loaded walkoff in the bottom of the 13th. After celebrating their seniors and alumni following the conclusion of the first game, Winona State would go on to split the final two matchups, winning via shutout 2-0 in game two and falling late in game three, 7-6.
In winning the first two contests of the three-game home stand, Winona State punched their ticket to the 2023 NSIC postseason.
Winona State 6, University of Sioux Falls 5 (13-innings)
A weather-delay forced a suspended game after Winona State had battled back to tie the contest at 5-5 in the bottom of the sixth-inning. The two teams returned to the field Saturday having played six straight scoreless innings before Josh Gullickson drove in Nick Herbst for the walk-off win. Gullickson's key contribution came with two outs in the inning and with the bases full.
Peter Tveite had entered the game in the 12th inning and earned the win, striking out three while walking just one in his outing. Peyton Lee was the starter in the game for WSU, throwing five full innings, conceding five runs. Davis Zeutzuis had an extended stay on the Warrior mound, throwing six innings in middle relief, shutting down the Sioux Falls offense. Zeutzuis allowed just one hit in the six frames, walking two and striking out three.
At the plate, Cooper Kapanke was 3-for-6 with a walk and an RBI while Nick Herbst was 3-for-5 and scored a pair of runs. Herbst also drew two walks, as did Derek Baumgartner who was 2-for-4 with a double. Carter Brinkman had the other WSU extra-base hit in the game, a double in the fourth inning.
Winona State 2, University of Sioux Falls 0
WSU could only muster two runs in the second game of the series against USF, but it was all that Warrior starting pitcher Drew Lingen would need on the day, as the freshman from Rochester, Minn. tossed a 3-hit complete-game gem in the seven-inning affair.
Lingen showed exceptional control against the Cougars, striking out six to go on and win his second game of the year. Lingen did not walk a batter in the game and recorded four 1-2-3 innings over the course of his outing.
Jess Ondell delivered his second home run of the season in the fifth inning to double the Warrior lead to 2-0, two innings after Cooper Kapanke earned an RBI on a deep foul ball that allowed Nick Herbst to score in the third. The two runs proved to be enough for Winona State to dispatch USF in the game and clinch the series win.
Jess Ondell led Winona State offensively by going 2-for-3, collecting a single in the third. Nick Herbst, Derek Baumgartner and Austin Beyer all had doubles in the game and Ryland Wall added a single to the Warrior effort.
University of Sioux Falls 7, Winona State 6
WSU saw a large lead fade late as the Cougars avoided the sweep by dealing the Warriors a 7-6 setback. Winona State carried a 6-2 lead through the eighth inning but USF posted a five-run effort in the top of the ninth for the win.
With their post-season berth secured earlier in the day, WSU rotated several arms through the Warrior mound and saw an influx of new faces through the lineup. Jess Ondell would continue his hot bat from game two, going 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Kyle Yu was 2-for-3, drew a walk and scored twice. Yu and Payton Beyer had doubles in the game, the only extra-base hits for WSU.
Pierce Gritzmaker had the start for Winona State, throwing the first two innings and holding USF scoreless. A host of Warriors followed on the mound, with Cody Hundorf ultimately tagged with the loss.
Following the 2-1 series mark on Saturday for Winona State, the Warriors completed the regular season 22-27 overall and 18-16 in NSIC action. Winona State will learn of their postseason opponent and series location later this weekend as contests wrap up around the league.
For the most up-to-date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.
Original source can be found here.