Mitchell, S.D. - Dakota Wesleyan battled hard but came up short, losing 10-4 and 12-2 to Concordia. Caleb Meyers provided some offense with a home run in the first game, while Dexter Payne pitched well despite defensive lapses. The Tigers showed determination but couldn't capitalize on opportunities in both matchups.
Game 1: Dakota Weslayan 4, Concordia (NE) 10
Dakota Wesleyan lost to Concordia (NE) 10-4. The Tigers scored three runs in the first inning but were unable to add much offense after that. Caleb Meyers had a home run and three RBIs, leading the team offensively. Dakota Wesleyan finished with eight hits, but they struggled to produce with runners on base.
Concordia responded with a strong offensive showing, scoring in every inning except the second. Jaidan Quinn had two RBIs, while Matthew Rhoades hit a three-run home run. The Bulldogs recorded 10 hits and were able to capitalize on Dakota Wesleyan's pitching and defensive mistakes.
On the mound, Dakota Wesleyan's Dakota Munger took the loss after allowing six runs on five hits in three innings. Nathaniel Huisken gave up four more runs in relief. Concordia's Christian Gutierrez earned the win, allowing three runs on six hits over six innings. Alex Griess finished the game with a solid inning of relief.
Game 2: Dakota Wesleyan 2, Concordia (NE) 12
Dakota Wesleyan battled tough against Concordia but fell 12-2. Despite only recording two hits, the Tigers showed resilience, with Caleb Meyers and Lane Darrow providing some offensive spark. Dexter Payne pitched four strong innings, allowing only one earned run, while Logan Miller and Broc Berry kept the team in the game despite some challenges.
The Tigers' defense faced some struggles, committing several errors, but they never gave up. While the sixth inning was tough with Concordia scoring 10 runs, Dakota Wesleyan continued to play hard and fight through adversity.
Offensively, the Tigers scored in both the second and fifth innings, showing they could execute when needed. Despite the loss, Dakota Wesleyan's pitching and defensive efforts displayed promise for future games, giving them hope for a strong finish to the season.
Quick Fact
This marks the first time the Tigers have qualified for the GPAC tournament since 2019.
Up Next
The Tigers will head to Seward on Wednesday for the opening rounds of the GPAC tournament, where they will face Concordia (NE) at 6:00 p.m.