On a perfect day in Auburndale, Fla., the University of Minnesota Duluth took the field Wednesday morning to do battle with its first ranked opponent of the season -- No. 6 Grand Valley State University. The Lakers imposed their will in game one before the Bulldogs were able to rally for a game two win and a split on the day.

GVSU 12, UMD 1

It was all Grand Valley State in the opener, as the Lakers jumped out early and tacked on runs throughout the contest. Junior right-hander Mitch Ashcraft was efficient in his seven innings of work, allowing a lone seventh inning run and striking out six Bulldogs.
 
For UMD, sophomores Ryan Cunningham and Jeremy Thorson combined to toss seven innings, with Cunningham earning the start and allowing six runs in five innings while striking out seven batters.
 
Grand Valley State notched runs in all but two innings, including tacking on three runs in the fifth and sixth innings. The Bulldogs picked up their only run of the game in the bottom of the seventh inning, when freshman infielder Chase Thomas lined a single into left field to drive in sophomore Ben Danielson. Danielson reached base by lacing a double to left center field earlier in the inning -- marking his first hit of the young season.

Freshman outfielder Drew Stewart tacked on two more hits to his quick start to the season in three at bats.

UMD 10, GVSU 3

UMD turned the tables in the rematch, using costly Laker errors to hang nine runs in the fourth inning.

The Bulldogs snagged a run in the opening frame to take a brief lead, but Grand Valley State picked up three runs of their own in the bottom of the third inning to jump on top.

UMD sent 12 batters to the plate in the fourth inning, resulting in seven hits and nine runs. Seniors Marco Lucarelli and Matt Vogt kicked off the inning with a pair of hits before the Bulldogs were aided by the Lakers' defense. Colin Baumgard and Eric Yachinich both reached base due errors, setting up a 2-RBI single by Thomas to put UMD ahead 4-3. The Bulldogs went on to use four more hits to score five runs -- including an RBI double by junior Tyler Midas and a two-run homer by Vogt to pull out to a commanding 10-3 advantage.

Junior pitcher Marcus Frederickson was dominant in five innings of work, striking out 10 batters and allowing three runs. Freshman Evan Vick and senior Colton Sinning took care of the final two innings -- blanking the Lakers and allowing just one hit.

The Grand Valley State pitching staff allowed only two earned runs, but ultimately gave up eight unearned runs due to fielding miscues.

UMD combined for 10 hits, including two from four different players. Senior Grant Farley went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a pair of runs scored, while sophomore Tyler Wojciechowski picked up two hits, two RBI, and scored a run.

The Bulldogs will wrap up their Florida trip tomorrow morning as they square off with Walsh University at 8 a.m. (CST).