Bears Outslug Bison in Finale

Saturday, May 18

Fargo, N.D.

12 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

14-36-1, 13-16-1

North Dakota State

19-28-1, 14-12-1

Northern Colorado

NDSU

5/18/2024 10:52:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score Final Box Score (PDF)Season Stats

By: Michael High, Interim Director for Strategic Communications

FARGO, N.D. – Northern Colorado and North Dakota State combined for 30 runs and 34 hits in the Bears 18-12 victory at Newman Outdoor Field Saturday.

A day after clinching a spot in the Summit League tournament behind a strong pitching performance, the Bears' offense exploded, with three hits each by Kai Wagner, Carson Gross, Garrett Fisher and Jackson Romero. Brandon Sanchez and Carter Monda tallied two knocks each.

The Bears posted 10 runs in the third inning, building a 10-2 advantage, powered by four RBIs in the inning from Kai Wagner. UNC sent 14 batters to the plate, with seven reaching safely on a hit, two on a base-on-balls, one on a hit-by-pitch and one on an error by the Bison. Kai Wagner singled home the first run of the game, scoring Carson Gross who led off the inning with a walk. Kai Wagner closed the scoring with a three-run home run.

Leading 11-9, UNC sent nine batters to the plate – with six scoring - in the seventh inning and opening an eight-run advantage. Caden Wagner opened the scoring when his younger brother Kai crossed the plate on his groundout. Following a flyout, the next five Bears reached safely, including RBI singles by Sanchez, Romero and Gross. Monda capped the frame with a two-run double.

NEXT UP
UNC faces Omaha in the Bears' first-ever Summit League Tournament game at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Oral Roberts host the double-elimination tournament at J. L. Johnson Field May 22-25, with the champion earning the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

INSIDE THE BOX

Kai Wagner reached five times in seven plate appearances, including two home runs and two walks, with five RBIs and four runs scored.
Gross went 3 for 6, including one double, with three runs, three runs-batted-in and a walk.
Romero tallied three hits and a walk in six appearances, with three runs and two RBIs.
Fisher went 3 for 4, with three walks and two runs.
Monda tallied two hits, including a double, in five at-bats and reached on two hit-by-pitch, scoring two runs and driving in three.
Sanchez reached three times in six plate appearances, including a double and a walk, with two runs and three RBIs.
Sam Pease scored twice – reaching base with two base-on-balls and a hit-by-pitch.
Wilbur Berrios tossed 1.1 innings in relief and allowed one run on five hits.
Mason Bright worked 2.0 innings out of the bullpen and allowed two runs on three hits.
Kevin Sharp retired two of the four batters he faced, allowing one hit and no runs.
Jake Carvajal closed the door with a scoreless frame, retiring three of the four he faced.