The University of Minnesota Duluth baseball team returned to conference play tonight, splitting their opening doubleheader with the University of Sioux Falls Cougars in a two day Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) matchup.

Game One: UMD (8) - USF (5)

The Bulldogs got out to a hot start quickly, picking up a trio of extra base hits in the top of the first inning that was highlighted by a two run home run out to right center by Ethan Cole. It wouldn't be until the bottom of the second when the Cougars would get their first runs, scoring two on back to back doubles. UMD would keep the momentum going in the next half inning, adding on two more in the third to bring their lead to 5-2. The Bulldogs would yet again add another two runs before USF would take their chance to respond, collecting one run for themselves in the fourth to bring the overall score to 7-3. A quick one, two, three inning in the fifth for both sides would bring the Bulldogs back up to bat, tallying their eight run with a solo home run over the left field wall for Troy Lynch. The Cougars would attempt to put together a two out rally as a last ditch effort in the seventh, but would get cut short and give the Bulldogs a win to open the series. 

Game Two: UMD (6) - USF (7)

A fielder's choice RBI and an unearned run off an error by the pitcher would kickstart the offensive effort for the Bulldogs in game two. USF would respond with a run of their own in the bottom of the second, but it would quickly be answered by a Gabe Richardson solo home run to get UMD out to an early 3-1 lead. The next inning and a half would go scoreless with a lockdown defensive scheme from both teams, with the Bulldogs being the first to break the tension with another solo home run, this time from Kade Peloquin. Starting in the bottom of the sixth, each team would take turns having one run innings and would find the overall score at 5-3 by the eighth inning. A big three run inning in the eight for the Cougars would give them their first lead of the day, but UMD would respond in the top of the ninth to tie the game back up and send things into extra innings. A late pinch hitter substitution from USF in the tenth inning would help them get into scoring position and score on line drive single out to left field, splitting the day for the Bulldogs as they returned to conference play.

Looking Ahead

The Bulldogs return to face the Cougars tomorrow afternoon in another doubleheader. First pitch tomorrow is scheduled for 12:00 PM.