The University of Minnesota Duluth did not get off to the start it wanted in 2016 as Pittsburg State University out-slugged UMD 14-7, plating at least a run in seven of the eight innings the Gorillas sent someone to the plate.

UMD (0-1) fell behind early when Pitt State (3-2) scored two in the first off senior right-hander Austin Vaske, a double by slugging first baseman Andrew Vogelbaugh scoring the first run of the game for the Gorillas. The Bulldogs answered back in the top of the second when senior second baseman Jimmy Heck launched a home run that tied the game, scoring senior third baseman Kyle Comer in the process. Newcomer Brett Milazzo gave UMD its first lead of the game later in the inning, scoring junior catcher Marco Lucarelli on a single.

The lead did not last long for UMD as Pittsburg State scored three unearned runs in the bottom of the inning. The Bulldogs' infield gave up three errors in the game, but the only unearned runs came in that second inning rally.  UMD used small ball to its favor in the top of the third, scoring two runs on a sacrifice fly and a throwing error to knot the game up at 5-apiece.

Pitt State would answer with a two-run bomb of their own by centerfielder Christian Arnold, one of seven extra-base hits for the Gorillas on the night. Along with Heck's home run, the Bulldogs got a triple from junior shortstop Brian Pierce, who got the start at designated hitter in the opener. Senior first baseman Alex Wojciechowski finished 2-for-5 in the opener, scoring a run, while Comer reached base in 4-of-5 appearances, collecting two hits and two walks while scoring twice. Milazzo went 3-for-5 in his Bulldog debut. Freshman first baseman Tyler Wojciechowski got a hit in his at-bat off the bench.

The pitching loss falls on the shoulders of Vaske having given up seven runs but just three earned while striking out three in 2.1 innings. Junior lefty Kevin Stocke went the majority of the way, tossing 3.2 innings of relief work, striking out two and giving up three runs. Gorillas reliever Brandon Martinkus got the victory out of the pen, tossing five innings of relief work after starter George Brandecker walked four and gave up five runs in 2.0 innings. Closer Ryan McKay picked up his third save in as many victories for Pitt State, tossing 1.2 innings.

The two teams will return to the field tomorrow afternoon for a doubleheader. Opening pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.