MITCHELL, S.D. — Dakota Wesleyan’s offense exploded for 33 runs as the Tigers swept Dordt in a wild GPAC doubleheader Friday at Drake Field.
In game one, DWU rallied late to outslug Dordt 13-11 in a back-and-forth battle. The Tigers jumped out early with seven runs in the first two innings, highlighted by a three-run homer from Shane Cowan.
Dordt answered with a six-run sixth inning to take a 10-7 lead, but Dakota Wesleyan had the final say. The Tigers plated five runs in the bottom of the seventh, capped by a go-ahead three-run home run from Dexter Payne to walk it off.
Cowan finished with five RBIs, while Mason Riley added a pair of home runs. Lucas Koepsell picked up the win in relief.
Game two was all Dakota Wesleyan.
The Tigers erupted for eight runs in the second inning and never looked back in a 20-7 rout. DWU pounded out 20 hits, with Dexter Payne leading the way with four hits and six RBIs.
Kelbee Woodham, Ean Laird, and Brett Groebner also homered in the win, while Caleb Meyers drove in two and scored three times.
On the mound, Brayden Cherrey earned the win, striking out eight over 6 and 2/3 innings.
With the sweep, Dakota Wesleyan improves to 16-19 overall and 7-11 in the GPAC.
The two teams wrap up the series with another doubleheader Saturday at Drake Field, with first pitch set for noon.