The Southwest Minnesota State baseball team is gearing up for the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference tournament, looking to make a deeper run than last year’s early exit. As the sixth seed, the Mustangs will face off against Minnesota Crookston in the first round of the double-elimination bracket.
Last year, SMSU fell short in the tournament, losing both games and ending their season prematurely. However, this year they are determined to make a statement under the leadership of head coach Jeremy Ische.
Minnesota Crookston, their first-round opponent, has had a strong season with a 34-14 overall record. The Eagles have relied on their top pitchers, Jake Osowski and Brody Sorenson, who have been dominant on the mound.
On the other side, SMSU boasts a formidable pitching duo in Kolby Kiser and Carter Petron, who have been key contributors to the team’s success this season.
Offensively, Chase McDaniel has been a standout player for the Mustangs, leading the team in batting average and setting records for hits. Isaac Nett and Owen Latendresse have also been crucial to the team’s success at the plate.
With a mix of experienced players and rising stars, SMSU is poised to make a strong showing in the tournament and potentially secure their first NSIC win since 2014.
The game against Minnesota Crookston is set to kick off at 6 p.m. at Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, with the Mustangs aiming to advance to the next round and continue their quest for a championship title. Fans can tune in to the radio broadcast on 107.5 The Fan or watch the live video stream on the NSIC Network.