Bears Fall in Game One Against South Dakota State

Friday, April 24

Brookings, S.D.

2:00 p.m. MDT

University of Northern Colorado

10-31

South Dakota State

14-24

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Northern Colo.	0	3	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	6	7	1
South Dakota State	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	7	4	0

4/24/2026 6:06:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Northern Colorado baseball battled back from an early deficit and forced extra innings, but South Dakota State used a three-run 11th inning to secure game one of the weekend series.

The game opened with early adversity for Northern Colorado, as South Dakota State capitalized on control issues in the first inning. The Jackrabbits scored four runs without recording a hit, taking advantage of hit-by-pitches and walks to jump out to a 4-0 lead.

UNC answered immediately in the second inning behind a big swing from Mason Griffin. After Jake Bullard doubled and a pair of free passes put runners on, Griffin launched a three-run home run to right field, trimming the deficit to 4-3. The Bears continued to chip away and evened the game in the fifth inning when Brandon Sanchez crushed a solo home run to center, making it 4-4.

From there, Northern Colorado pitching settled in. Ethan Louthan delivered a strong outing in relief, tossing 6.2 innings while allowing just one hit and no runs, keeping the Bears in position to compete late. Logan Borboa followed with 2.2 solid innings, limiting damage and sending the game into extra innings tied.

After a scoreless 10th, the Bears broke through in the 11th. Logan Pruski led off with a single and advanced to third on Bullard's base hit. Pruski stole home to give UNC its first lead of the game. Moments later, a balk allowed Bullard to score, extending the advantage to 6-4.

South Dakota State responded in the bottom half. A lead off double sparked the rally before the Jackrabbits strung together timely at-bats and took advantage of free passes, ultimately walking off with three runs to secure the 7-6 win.

Offensively, Griffin led the Bears with three RBI's on his home run, while Sanchez finished with two hits, including his game-tying homer. Bullard added a pair of hits and reached base three times.

ON DECK: The Bears will look to bounce back as the series continues, aiming to even things up in game two. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. MDT.

DIAMOND CLUB: The Diamond Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Baseball program. By giving to the Diamond Club, you help provide access to facility enhancements—such as the Jackson Field Turf Project—along with advanced technology and elevated daily operations, giving our student-athletes the resources to compete and excel at the highest level.

Give to the Diamond Club today!

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