Northern Colorado baseball lost to South Dakota State in the first game of their weekend series, according to an April 24 report. The Bears forced extra innings but ultimately fell after a three-run rally by the Jackrabbits in the bottom of the 11th inning.
The game was marked by an early deficit for Northern Colorado, as South Dakota State scored four runs in the first inning without recording a hit. The Jackrabbits took advantage of walks and hit-by-pitches to build a quick lead.
Mason Griffin helped Northern Colorado respond with a three-run home run in the second inning, cutting the deficit to one run. Brandon Sanchez tied the game at 4-4 with a solo home run in the fifth. Relief pitcher Ethan Louthan kept Northern Colorado competitive by allowing just one hit over 6.2 scoreless innings, while Logan Borboa added another 2.2 strong frames.
In extra innings, Logan Pruski singled and eventually stole home to give Northern Colorado its first lead at 5-4. A balk allowed Jake Bullard to score and extend their advantage to two runs. However, South Dakota State answered with three runs in their half of the eleventh inning for a walk-off win.
Griffin led Northern Colorado’s offense with three runs batted in on his home run, while Sanchez had two hits including his tying homer. Bullard also contributed two hits and reached base three times during the contest.
The teams are scheduled to continue their series with game two set for a 1 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time start.
