FORT MYERS, FL -- The North Dakota lost its fifth game of the season to #21 Ashland University by the score of 16-10. The game featured a combined 26 runs and 26 hits between the two teams.
The Sioux jumped out to the early 2-0 lead, but the game was interrupted due to a torrential downpour. The game was delayed for an hour and a half before play was resumed. When play resumed, the Sioux lead disappeared with the rain. Ashland scored two unanswered runs after the rain delay to tie the game at 2-2.
The Sioux would answer back with two runs on four hits in the bottom of the second inning to take back the lead, 4-2. Ashland would add one run in the top of the third to make it a one-run game at 4-3.
In the top of the fourth inning, Ashland's bats would heat up as they were able to score five runs on five hits and to take a lead that they wouldn't relinquish. Ashland would add three more runs in the fifth and two in the seventh to take a commanding 13-4 lead.
North Dakota wouldn't go quietly as senior Nate Meissner lead off the bottom of the seventh inning with a solo homerun to left-centerfield. After a couple of walks, Mike Lundeen stroked a two run double to help bring the Sioux within six of the Eagles. After a couple of more walks from the Ashland pitchers, Meissner stepped up and hit a single to score two more runs and bring the Fighting Sioux to within three of Ashland.
Ashland would add three more runs in the eighth inning to seal the 16-10 victory.
On the hill for the Sioux was a trio of pitchers. Mike Lueck started the game and went four innings in the loss. Lueck struck out four and walked one while giving up eight earned runs. Lueck was relieved by Sean Cooley who pitched three innings and gave up three earned runs while striking out three and walking three. Junior Casey Bovkoon came in to pitch the last two innings and struck out four while giving up three earned runs.
Pacing the Sioux offensive attack was senior Nate Meissner with three hits, one of which was a homerun and three RBI's. Mike Lundeen, Tyler Frenzel, and Scott Schmidt each contributed two hits to the attack. Lundeen drove in two runs and Schmidt drove in one. Junior Chris Gulsvig drove in two runs with a double in the bottom of the first inning.
The Sioux fall to 4-5 on the year and return to action on Wednesday against Division I opponent, South Dakota State. Game time is set for 2 p.m. and will be played in Brookings, S.D.
