SIOUX FALLS, S.D.-- The Augustana baseball team (12-5, 5-0 NSIC) used strong pitching and a flurry of runs to take a doubleheader against Minnesota Duluth (4-9, 2-3 NSIC) on Thursday. The Vikings scored 15 runs over two games, while allowing just four during a mid-day two-game set. Augustana has won five games in a row since returning from their Florida trip.

Game One:

In game one, there was a pitcher's duel early on as the Vikings and Bulldogs were locked even for the first three innings at 0-0. Augustana broke through in the fourth inning, however, putting up three runs on four hits including a two RBI single through the right side by Will Olson that scored Jordan Barth and Ryan Nickel. 

Augustana poured on the runs in the sixth inning, putting up six additional runs on five hits. Sam Baier, JT Mix, Nate Crossman, and Riley Johnson all recorded RBI during the inning, with every hit of the inning being a single. 

Seth Miller took the mound for the Vikings in game one and pitched his second complete game of the season on his way to the third win of his young collegiate career. Miller did not surrender any earned runs until the final inning of the game and holds a 2.57 ERA overall on the year. The Vikings also played some impressive defense in game one, turning five double plays to aid Miller in the complete game effort. 

Game Two: 

In the second game, Augustana used a Nickel home run to take a 1-0 lead in the first inning before Minnesota Duluth tied the game up with an RBI double the following half inning. The Vikings and Bulldogs were not tied for long, however, as Augustana would plate two more in the bottom of the third on a Baier two RBI single through the left side that scored Michael Svozil and Johnson. 

The Vikings added single-run innings in the fourth, sixth, and seventh innings to secure the win as the pitching staff allowed just one earned run. Jed Schmidt secured the win for Augustana for his first of the season after pitching 5.1 innings with four strikeouts. 

Game two also saw Johnson stretch his hitting streak to 13 games while Nickel recorded the only two extra-base hits on the game.

Next Up:

Augustana stays home this weekend as they will take on the University of Mary on Saturday and Sunday in a four-game series, with only the first three games being recognized as conference play. First pitch for each day is set for noon for the four-game set.