UNC Baseball Erases Early Deficit, Claims 9-6 Win Over SDSU in Series Opener

Friday, March 27

Greeley, Colo.

2 p.m. MDT

University of Northern Colorado

6-21, 4-2

South Dakota State

7-19, 2-5

South Dakota St.

Northern Colo.

3/27/2026 5:07:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

GREELEY, Colo.- Northern Colorado baseball opened the series with a strong win Friday afternoon, rallying past South Dakota State for a 9-6 victory at Jackson Field.

After falling behind 5-0 through the first three innings, the Bears responded in a big way in the bottom of the third. Ethan Sanchez jump started the comeback with a three-run home run, cutting the deficit and swinging momentum back in UNC's favor.

The Bears continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning, plating three more runs, highlighted by an RBI double from Brandon Sanchez and a two-run home run off the bat of Sam Pease to take a 7-5 lead.

Northern Colorado never looked back from there. Mason Griffin extended the lead with a solo home run in the sixth before adding an RBI double in the eighth to cap off a standout performance. Griffin finished with three hits, including a homer and two doubles, while driving in two runs. Pease added two hits and two RBIs in the game, continuing a strong a 2026 campaign.

On the mound, Reece Wagner battled through six innings to earn the win, recording seven strikeouts while limiting further damage after the early innings.

Trevor Landen was solid out of the bullpen, tossing the final three innings to pick up the save and secure the series-opening victory.

As a team, the Bears racked up 12 hits and scored in four different innings, showcasing depth throughout the lineup and the ability to respond when trailing.

ON DECK: Northern Colorado builds momentum to start the series and will look to carry that energy into the remaining games this weekend. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. MDT at Jackson Field.

DIAMOND CLUB
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