BROOKINGS, S.D. – Colten Becker’s power at the plate proved to be the difference Friday afternoon as North Dakota State defeated South Dakota State 6-1 in the opening game of their three-game Summit League series. Becker connected for two two-run home runs, providing the offensive spark the Bison needed to spoil the Jackrabbits’ home opener at Erv Huether Field. The victory marked just the fifth win of the season for NDSU, improving their overall record to 4-17 and their conference mark to 1-3.
The loss was the ninth consecutive for South Dakota State, dropping their record to 5-17 overall and 0-4 in Summit League play. While the Jackrabbits showed flashes of offensive potential, they struggled to capitalize with runners on base, leaving a staggering 11 runners stranded throughout the game. The Bison, meanwhile, capitalized on their opportunities, particularly with Becker’s timely hitting.
Early Lead for the Bison
North Dakota State wasted no time getting on the board. Caleb Corbin started the game with an infield single against SDSU starter Ty Madison, setting the stage for Becker’s first home run of the day. The two-run blast gave the Bison an early 2-0 lead and immediately put pressure on the Jackrabbits’ pitching staff. Madison, a sophomore from Sioux Falls, ultimately took the loss after pitching five and a third innings, matching his season high with five strikeouts, according to the SDSU Athletics website. Ty Madison’s player profile details his season statistics.
Jackrabbits Struggle to Convert
Despite the early deficit, South Dakota State had several opportunities to respond. The Jackrabbits loaded the bases in the first inning with two hits and a hit by pitch, but Bison starter Parker Puetz managed to work his way out of the jam. Puetz continued to navigate through trouble in the second and third innings, stranding two runners in each frame. The inability to convert these scoring chances proved costly for SDSU.
“We had guys on base, we just couldn’t get that big hit to drive them in,” said Jackrabbits head coach Rob Bishop in a post-game interview, as reported by GoJacks.com. “We need to find a way to execute in those situations.”
Becker Strikes Again, Bison Extend Lead
The Bison extended their lead in the sixth inning, again thanks to Becker. Following a leadoff single by Dante Smith, Becker launched his second two-run home run of the game, increasing the NDSU advantage to 4-1. The Jackrabbits brought in Drew McDowell in relief, but the damage had already been done. McDowell, despite fanning a career-high five batters in four innings of work, couldn’t contain the Bison offense completely.
NDSU added to their lead in the eighth inning. Kyle Law hit a solo home run, and Diego Trujillo followed with a run-scoring double, pushing the score to 6-1. The Bison finished the game with seven hits, capitalizing on their opportunities when they mattered most.
Puetz Shines, Ryan Closes It Out
Parker Puetz earned the win for North Dakota State, settling into a rhythm after a rocky start. He retired the last eight batters he faced after giving up an RBI single to Nolan Grawe in the fourth. Puetz finished the game with seven strikeouts, three walks, and three hit batters. Sheamus Ryan closed out the game with three scoreless innings, earning the save.
Nolan Grawe was a bright spot for the Jackrabbits, going 3-for-5 at the plate, collecting half of SDSU’s six hits. Grawe’s player profile shows his consistent performance throughout the season. Luke Luskey was hit by a pitch twice, bringing his team-leading season total to nine, according to team statistics.
Looking Ahead
The series is scheduled to continue with a doubleheader on Saturday at Erv Huether Field, with games slated to begin at noon. However, the forecast calls for inclement weather, potentially impacting the schedule. Fans are encouraged to check the SDSU Athletics website for updates. The SDSU Baseball schedule will have the most up-to-date information.
The Jackrabbits will need to regroup quickly and find a way to generate more offense and capitalize on scoring opportunities if they hope to avoid a series sweep. For North Dakota State, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum and building on this victory as they continue their Summit League schedule.
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