The University of Minnesota Duluth capped off its 2017 regular season last weekend with a series split, but will now turn its attention towards the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Tournament this week as they kick things off with an opening round matchup with No. 25 St. Cloud State University. UMD (23-26, 18-19 NSIC) captured the six seed in the tournament and will be the underdog on paper against third-seeded SCSU, with first pitch coming at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Bulldogs are making an appearance in the NSIC Tournament for the third consecutive season and seventh time in the previous eight seasons. UMD's last appearance in 2016 resulted with the top-seeded Bulldogs securing three wins, but they were knocked out after being unable to solve Concordia University-St. Paul, who bested UMD twice in tournament action.

St. Cloud State traveled to Duluth to face the Bulldogs for a weekday twinbill in the regular season, with each team securing a win. The Huskies edged out UMD in game one by a 4-3 score, but the Bulldogs imposed their revenge in the rematch by knocking off SCSU 7-3.  Senior infielder Kyle Hoffman put together a five-hit day in the two-game series, also adding a pair of RBI and runs scored. Senior shortstop Brian Pierce also found success in the initial meetings, going 4-for-6 on the day and scoring three runs with two RBI as well. Sophomore Ryan Cunningham and junior Colin Baumgard were tasked with the starts on the mound, each finding success while surrendering three runs or fewer while tossing 5+ innings. The Bulldog bullpen was nearly flawless, combining to pitch 5.1 innings with just a lone run allowed.

In the all-time series between UMD and SCSU, the Huskies hold a 37-17 advantage and have won eight of nine games dating back to 2013. In their previous two NSIC Tournament appearances, the Bulldogs have posted an identical 3-2 record.

On the season, sophomore third baseman Ben Danielson has paced all hitters with his .446 batting average, .569 on base percentage, and .679 slugging percentage. Junior Tyler Midas has launched a team-leading eight home runs to go along with his 33 RBI, which ranks 18th in the NSIC. On the mound, senior Colton Sinning has been the go-to guy out of the bullpen, leading the team with a 2.11 ERA in 21.1 innings pitched. Junior Marcus Frederickson, freshman Rece Dietrich, and Baumgard all have started at least seven games on the hill while holding a sub-4.00 ERA.

The action will get underway at 6:30 p.m. at Putz Field in St. Cloud, Minn. Live stats and streaming video are available here.

To view the full and up-to-date bracket, click here.