Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Augustana College baseball team had 20 hits in two games on Thursday afternoon at Ronken Field at Karras Park.

The Vikings used those hits to plate 21 runs as they swept Minot State in a two-game series 14-0, 7-4 in Northern Sun play.

In game one, Augustana (28-15 overall 16-6 NSIC) scored 10 runs in the first two innings. Minot State (10-18 overall 2-12 NSIC) could not recover on their way to their fifth straight NSIC loss.
The Vikings were led by Tony Viger with two hits, one being a home run, and three RBI while freshman Alex Fink had two hits, one RBI and three runs scored.

Minot State could collect just three hits, including a double by Andrew Roach (So., OF, Gilbert, Ariz.), his seventh of the season.

“Our pitchers need to do a better job on getting ahead in the counts and varying their speeds,” said Minot State head coach Brock Weppler. “The first we were flat again, but the second game we improved and played better.”

In that second game, Minot State did improve their play and led 4-3 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning. However, the home team rallied for four runs off senior Cole Stober (P, Hays, Alberta) to get their season-high winning streak to 12 games.

MISU starter Austin Bernston (Fr., P, Minot, N.D.) pitched a solid game, going seven innings while giving up just five hits and three earned runs. Offensively, the Beavers were led by Mitch Olson (Sr., 1B, Deloraine, Manitoba) with three hits and one RBI.

“Bernston threw very well for us. He filled up the zone and kept hitters off balance,” said Weppler.

Minot State will now gear up for a four-game weekend series against Bemidji State. MISU and BSU have already played twice this season. Bemidji State won both of those non-conference games 12-2, 12-5.

– GO BEAVERS –