MITCHELL, S.D. – Dakota Wesleyan dropped both games of a doubleheader to Briar Cliff on Wednesday, falling 11-10 and 12-7 at Drake Field.
The Tigers were swept in a doubleheader for the second time in three days despite a monster performance from Ean Laird, who hit three home runs and drove in 10 runs across the two games. Laird finished 5-for-8 on the day.
In Game 1, Dakota Wesleyan rallied from an early deficit and briefly took the lead with a six-run second inning, highlighted by three-run home runs from Laird and Caleb Meyers. Laird added a solo homer in the sixth and a two-run double in the seventh to keep the Tigers within striking distance, but Briar Cliff scored three runs in the final inning to secure the win.
Laird finished with two home runs and six RBIs in the opener, while Meyers added three RBIs.
In Game 2, the Tigers again showed early power as Laird hit two more home runs, including a game-tying blast in the third inning. Dakota Wesleyan took a 5-4 lead midway through the game, but Briar Cliff pulled away with a big fifth and sixth inning, scoring seven runs to take control.
Laird drove in four runs in the second game, while Dexter Payne and Shane Cowan each recorded two hits.
Dakota Wesleyan fell to 14-19 overall and 5-11 in GPAC play. The Tigers host Dordt on Friday for a 2 p.m. doubleheader at Drake Field.