MITCHELL, S.D. — Dakota Wesleyan extended its winning streak to 14 games with a doubleheader sweep of Mount Marty on Thursday, winning 7-4 and 4-2 at McWhirter Field.
The Tigers improved to 32-11 overall and 15-1 in Great Plains Athletic Conference play, remaining unbeaten at home and in sole possession of first place.
In the opener, Dakota Wesleyan jumped out early with a four-run first inning. Liliana Arreola drove in the first run with a single before Avery Perkins launched a three-run homer to give the Tigers a 4-0 lead.
Mount Marty chipped away late, scoring once in the sixth and adding three runs in the seventh, but Dakota Wesleyan held on. Jaycee Tebay added a two-run home run in the sixth to provide insurance.
Alison Ernsberger earned the win, striking out nine over 6 1/3 innings while allowing three runs, two earned.
In Game 2, Perkins delivered again with a two-run homer in the fourth inning to break a scoreless tie and put the Tigers ahead for good. Jordyn Blogg added a solo home run in the sixth to extend the lead.
Mount Marty closed within a run on a solo homer by Kayleen Jacinto in the sixth, but Dakota Wesleyan answered and shut the door late.
Mandalyn Nachtigall picked up the win with eight strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings, while Ernsberger recorded the save with three strikeouts across the final 1 2/3 innings.
Perkins led the Tigers with two home runs and five RBIs on the day, while Arreola and Blogg each contributed key hits in both games.
Dakota Wesleyan returns to action Sunday, hosting Midland for a Senior Day doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. with six regular-season games remaining.