The University of Minnesota Duluth baseball team kicked of their four game series with the Augustana University Vikings, walking off game one in dramatic fashion in a day one doubleheader split at Ronken Field.

Game One: UMD (8) - AU (6)

Augustana were the first to tally runs on the board to kick off the afternoon, loading the bases before scoring two on a wild pitch and a subsequent RBI single in the top of the first. 

UMD was quick to respond in the bottom of the inning, getting runners on the basepaths with back to back singles from Gabe Richardson and Nathan Rosenberg. A fielding error from the Augie second baseman allowed Troy Lynch to reach and Rosenberg to score, and a RBI fielder's choice from Garrett Stauffacher would push RIchardson across home plate before the end of the inning.

The Vikings took the lead right back in the second, scoring three on a two RBI single and a sacrifice fly before adding another with a solo home run from Jason Axelberg to move ahead 6-2.

A leadoff double in the bottom of the third from Joey Flom put him in scoring position on a single out to the center field grass from Richardson, cutting the deficit for the Bulldogs down to 6-3 before a lull in the scoring for both teams blanked the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. 

Heading into the bottom of the seventh, three straight singles from Michael Gabbard, Henry Bushey, and Hayden Anthony loaded the bases for UMD. Flom would capitalize on the situation with a RBI single of his own to cut the deficit down to two and keep the bases loaded. 

Another RBI single from Richardson got the Bulldogs within one before Rosenberg returned to the batter's box, who would go on to launch a three run home run for the 8-6 walk off win in game one.

Game Two: UMD (3) - AU (21)

The Vikings were quick to start the scoring in game two, tallying a trio of RBI hits and two unearned runs to push ahead 6-0 in the top of the first inning.

A three run effort from the Bulldogs, including a solo home run from Rosenberg in the bottom of the third, proved to be not enough as a nine run top of the third from Augustana would aid them in their 21-3 victory to end the day.

Looking Ahead

Bulldog baseball (12-11, 8-6 NSIC) is back in action tomorrow out in Sioux Falls to close out the four game series with another doubleheader. First pitch against the Vikings is currently set for 12:00 PM.