The University of Minnesota Duluth hosted Wayne State (Neb.) College for the first two of four games on Friday afternoon, each team picking up a win. The Bulldogs pulled out on top with a walk-off squeeze play in a thrilling 10-inning opener before the Wildcats shut the door for a 5-1 win in the rematch.

UMD 4, WSC 3 (10 innings)

Junior right-hander Marcus Frederickson started the game on the mound for UMD, pitching 5.2 innings and allowing two runs before exiting with the score tied at two. Frederickson dueled with Wayne State's Bobby St. Pierre, who pitching nine innings with three earned runs and seven strikeouts.

The Bulldogs jumped onto the board in the third inning with an RBI single from junior outfielder Brett Milazzo to left field, driving in senior shortstop Brian Pierce. Sophomore first baseman Tyler Wojciechowski followed with an RBI ground ball to second base and reached base following an error by the Wildcats, bringing home Milazzo from third base.

UMD took its first lead of the game in the fourth inning on a single down the left field line by junior third basemen Colin Baumgard, but was held in check over the next five innings by St. Pierre.

Junior Colton Sinning was first out of the bullpen for the Bulldogs, completing a scoreless sixth inning before allowing the Wildcats to tie the game with two outs in the seventh frame, forcing free baseball at Wade Stadium.

Wojciechowski kicked off a UMD rally in the 10th inning with a deep fly ball to the warning track in center field which popped out of the glove of center fielder Aaron Krier, allowing Wojciechowski to reach third on a triple. For the second straight game, the Bulldogs picked up a walk-off win, this time on a squeeze attempt by senior catcher Marco Lucarelli. Lucarelli laid down a perfect bunt in front of the pitcher to bring home pinch runner Eric Yachinich, handing UMD a 4-3 victory.

WSC 5, UMD 1

Wayne State imposed revenge on the Bulldogs in game two, riding a complete game performance from freshman pitcher Hunter Wienhoff, who limited the home team to just one run in seven innings. Wienhoff was opposed by UMD's own freshman Rece Dietrich, completing 3.1 innings while allowing three runs.

The Bulldogs turned to the bullpen and received stellar performances from sophomore Jeremy Thorson and redshirt freshman Jaylen Hakes, each keeping the Wildcats off the board. Thorson tossed 2.2 innings on the hill and struck out three, while Hakes struck out two batters in a scoreless seventh inning.

UMD picked up its only run of the game in the third inning when freshman outfielder Drew Stewart drove in senior third baseman Kyle Hoffman on an RBI groundout.

The Bulldogs totaled five hits on the game, including a double from Milazzo. Freshman infielder Chase Thomas extended his hitting streak to five games with one hit in a pair of at bats at the plate.

UP NEXT

The two teams will return to the field on Saturday to wrap up a four game series. The games will get underway at noon, taking place at Bulldog Field on the campus of UMD.