MITCHELL, S.D. Dakota Wesleyan fell both times to Briar Cliff 5-3 in the first game, with the Tigers’ offense, including home runs by Joseph Tharaldson and Ean Laird, falling short against Briar Cliff’s pitching, while in the second game, Briar Cliff won 9-5, despite an early 2-0 lead by Dakota Wesleyan, as Briar Cliff’s offensive power and solid pitching from Nick Hays and Brock Saya sealed the victory, with the Tigers’ offense, led by Tharaldson and Carter Olek, unable to overcome the deficit.
Game 1: Dakota Wesleyan 3, Briar Cliff 5
Dakota Wesleyan showed great resilience in a hard-fought game against Briar Cliff. Despite a tough start, the Tigers mounted a strong late-game push, highlighted by Joseph Tharaldson‘s home run and Ean Laird‘s two-run shot. Tharaldson also added an RBI single, and Laird’s performance at the plate was crucial in bringing the team closer, finishing with two RBIs. Despite the Tigers’ strong offensive showing with eight hits, they were unable to fully overcome Briar Cliff’s early lead.
On the mound, Dakota Wesleyan’s Alexander Mizsak worked 6.2 innings, allowing five earned runs and striking out five. Mizsak kept Briar Cliff in check for much of the game, showing poise under pressure. Broc Berry came in for a brief appearance, though the Tigers were unable to capitalize on his efforts to shut down Briar Cliff’s offense.
Defensively, Dakota Wesleyan made several important plays, including solid efforts from Dexter Payne and Caleb Meyers. Despite the 5-3 final score, the Tigers showed plenty of fight throughout the game, and their late rally highlighted their potential for future contests.
Game 2: Dakota Wesleyan 5, Briar Cliff 9
Dakota Wesleyan played against Briar Cliff in a game that saw the visiting team secure a 9-5 victory. The Tigers took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, with Lane Darrow and Dexter Payne each getting hits. Briar Cliff responded with a 2-run second inning and extended their lead in the later innings.
Joseph Tharaldson and Carter Olek both had RBI performances for Dakota Wesleyan, with Olek driving in two runs in the third inning. Despite 11 hits from the Tigers, they were unable to close the gap as Briar Cliff added insurance runs in the later innings, including a home run from Nico Sall.
Caleb Meyers started for Dakota Wesleyan, pitching 3.1 innings and allowing five earned runs. Brayden Cherrey provided 3.2 innings of relief, giving up two hits and no earned runs. Nathaniel Huisken also pitched briefly but struggled, allowing four earned runs in 0.1 innings.
Briar Cliff’s pitching staff, led by Nick Hays and Brock Saya, kept Dakota Wesleyan’s offense from mounting a comeback. Hays pitched three innings, allowing five runs, while Saya came in for six innings of relief, shutting out the Tigers and earning the win.
Up Next
The Tigers will head up north to play a single game non-conference match up against Valley City State University on monday slalted for a 5:30 p.m. start.