SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Standing a perfect 8-0 in Northern Sun Conference action, the Augustana baseball team wraps up an eight-game homestand on Wednesday afternoon at Ronken Field. The Vikings welcome in Northern State for a pair of games, with the first pitch set for 3 p.m. Fans not in attendance can view the game online at GoAugie.com/Live

The Vikings (15-6, 8-0 NSIC) have won eight-of-nine overall, and are fresh off a three-game conference sweep of U-Mary. Northern State (9-10, 4-4 NSIC) enters Wednesday following a series win over Upper Iowa last weekend.

Augustana's conference success stems from strong performances from their pitching staff. Three Vikings rank in the NSIC top-10 for earned run average, with Max Steffens leading the league with a 1.90 ERA. Both Tanner Brown (2.52) and Seth Miller (2.57) rank seventh and eighth, respectively. Max Steffens and Miller have both tossed a pair of complete games this season as well.

As a team, the Viking are allowing opponents to hit just .215 from the plate, which slots them first in the NSIC. Through 21 games, the Vikings 197 strikeouts are second in the league.

Offensively, the Vikings are getting it done up and down the lineup, starting with three players hitting above .400. Jordan Barth (.430), Riley Johnson (.417) and Ryan Nickel (.407) have also started in played in all 21 games this season.

Nearly every position player is hitting for power, too. Augustana has 57 doubles this season and leads both the NSIC and nation (DII) with 3.2 doubles per games. Barth checks in with a .625 slugging percentage, which leads the team and slots him 7th in the conference.

Over the last six games, the trio of J.T Mix, Will Olson and Sam Baier have all stepped up. Baier has already collected nine RBI during the homestand, and JT Mix's .563 on-base percentage leads the team. Will Olson is slugging .714 in his last 14 at-bats, including one home run and seven RBI.

Starting this season, admission is now charged for all home softball and baseball games. Ticket prices are only $5 for adults and $2 for youth. For doubleheaders or days with games at both Bowden and Ronken Field, only one ticket must be purchased.

Following Wednesday doubleheader, the Vikings will embark on a 16-game, six-city roadtrip over the next month. Augustana isn't scheduled to return to Ronken Field until Friday, April, 19.

Scouting Northern State

The Wolves are off to a 9-10 start this season and have yet to play a game at home. Northern State checks in with a team batting average of just .261, standing eight in the NSIC. The pitching staff has a 6.40 ERA in 154.2 innings pitched, which included 123 strikeouts.

Individually, Hayden Houts has started all 19 games for the Wolves and leads the team with a .371 average and four home runs. From the mound John Werner has made four starts, totaling 23.1 innings, and leads the starting staff with a 3.47 ERA.