Despite two home runs from fifth-year third baseman Kyle Halverson, St. Thomas baseball narrowly fell to North Dakota State University 8-7 Sunday at Koch Diamond.
The Tommies (5-19, 2-7 Summit League) were within one run of a series win against the Bison (19-10, 7-2), who rank No. 1 in the Summit League. St. Thomas started the series with North Dakota with a 6-0 win followed by a 4-1 loss in Saturday’s doubleheader.
“We played extremely hard; we kept with arguably the best team in the Summit League,” coach Chris Olean said.
The Tommies’ offense started the game hot, led by a two-run home run by Halverson. St. Thomas scored in each of the first four innings and led by four heading into the bottom of the fourth inning.
“It was fun to get out and play in some warm weather; that always helps for hitters,” Halverson said. “It was good and hopefully we can keep that going.”
However, the Bison responded quickly with back-to-back home runs to tie the game in the bottom of the fourth. With the help of another home run in the sixth inning, North Dakota took a two-run lead.
The Tommies were able to halt the Bison’s offense for the rest of the game, with first-year pitcher Carl Cano allowing no hits and striking out four in the final two innings.
“We had some relief pitchers come in and do really well,” Halverson said.
Following Halverson’s seventh inning home run, the Tommies mustered a last-ditch effort in the top of the ninth, getting a runner to third base with two outs. However, North Dakota junior pitcher Tristen Roehrich was able to close the game for the Bison.
“Tough to not come away with a win, but some good progress made by our team and hopefully we can keep building off that going forward,” Halverson said.
The Tommies will face the University of Minnesota at U.S. Bank Stadium at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday. This will be the Tommies’ second of four matchups against the Gophers this season.
Derek Badger can be reached at badg7629@stthomas.edu.