After exploding for 39 runs in its two wins yesterday, the University of Minnesota Duluth (7-4) got the same results for less, beating the University of Minnesota, Crookston in a non-conference doubleheader, by scores of 7-4 and 6-3 Saturday afternoon in Ft. Myers, Fla.
On Friday, the Bulldogs scored 24 times against its Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference foe Golden Eagles (0-10) in the teams' nine-inning match-up, upping UMD's all-time unblemished mark to 12-0 against UMC. The Bulldogs would not stop there Saturday, improving that record to 14-0 before the day was through.
Bulldogs young and old propelled the Maroon and Gold to victory in the first game, with senior righty Andrew Vlasak (2-1) earning his second pitching win on the year. The Lakeville, Minn., native lasted four innings, giving up two earned runs on six hits while striking out four batters.
Sophomore Jake Kluver went 2-for-3 at the plate, driving in two RBI's. Senior Bryan Denisen had a hit in three at-bats, also stealing two bases and driving in a run.
Freshman hurler Mark Shaver pitched the last 1.1 innings against UMC, allowing one hit and a run, to get his first collegiate save.
The nightcap was dominated by UMD freshman righty Ben Jungers, who went six innings, giving up four hit and zero earned runs. The Annandale, Minn., native struck out seven UMC batters, in getting his first mound win in a Bulldog uniform.
Junior first baseman Scott Sorenson went 2-for-4 at the plate – driving in two runs – and fellow third-year teammate Dave Kerber had two hits in as many at-bats. Junior oufielder Will Dahlgren also contributed to the Bulldogs' cause, going 2-for-4 at the plate with a double and an RBI.
The save was credited to sophomore left hander Josh Taran, who didn't allow a hit and struck out one batter in the final frame.
The Bulldogs will continue their six-day, 10-game road trip on Sunday, with another non-conference doubleheader against a fellow NSIC squad – this time Southwest Minnesota State University. The first pitch in the opener is scheduled for 3 p.m.
