The University of Minnesota Duluth bounced back from dropping a 1-0 ultimate pitching duel in game one to earning a 4-0 game two win against Southwest Minnesota State University at Bulldog Park in Duluth, Minn. in a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference doubleheader.

Game One, 1-0 UMD Loss

In a brilliant pitching duel between the Mustangs' Jameson Quinn and the Bulldogs' Henry Wilkinson, the sole run of the game came from a fifth-inning home run by SMSU, while UMD's senior pitcher delivered a strong performance with eight strikeouts over seven innings.

The game remained scoreless through the first four innings as both teams' defenses held strong. In the top of the fifth, the Mustangs Berreth homered to right center, giving the visiting team a 1-0 lead. 

In the sixth inning, UMD's Thomas Hanson reached base on an error, advancing to third, but the team couldn't capitalize on the opportunity to score. The score remained unchanged at 1-0 after six innings, and in the seventh, the Bulldogs were again unable to mount a comeback, as SMSU's pitching secured the shutout. 

Wilkinson delivered a strong performance on the mound for UMD, pitching a complete game in their matchup over seven innings, and allowed just one hit and one earned run, while issuing no walks and striking out eight batters—a season-high. 

Game Two, 4-0 UMD Win

UMD delivered a decisive game two win, with its pitching staff delivering a complete-game shutout, allowing only four hits and striking out seven batters.

In the third inning, Henry Bushey singled and advanced to third on two wild pitches. Michael Gabbard reached on an error, allowing Bushey to score the unearned run, giving UMD a 1-0 lead.

The fifth inning UMD extended its lead. Bushey singled to left field, followed by Thomas Hanson's single, advancing Bushey to third. A double steal allowed Bushey to score, and Hanson later crossed the plate on a passed ball, making it 3-0.

In the eighth inning, Hayden Anthony singled and scored on Troy Lynch's double to left field, pushing the lead to 4-0.

Caden Klebba and Joe Gizzi combined to pitch a shutout, limiting SMSU to four hits, sealing the win for UMD with a final score of 4-0.

Klebba started and delivered an outstanding performance for UMD, pitching a season-high eight 1/3 innings without allowing a run. He surrendered just three hits and did not issue any walks while achieving a season-high total of six strikeouts, earning his fourth win of the season. Gizzi contributed with 2/3 of an inning in relief, allowing one hit while preserving the shutout with one strikeout. 

Bushey led the team with three hits and scored two runs, showcasing his effectiveness at the plate. Lynch contributed offensively with a double and an RBI, helping to drive in a crucial run, while Anthony added to the team's scoring by recording one hit and crossing the plate for one run.

The Bulldogs hold an overall record of 15-29 and are 14-18 in the NSIC conference standings. UMD will play a third game against the Mustangs (20-25, 10-23) on Sunday in a contest that will be moved to Wade Stadium due to forecasted rain overnight. 

The Bulldogs will honor their seniors at 11:40 a.m. – the first pitch is expected to be thrown at noon.