nSIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The Augustana baseball team returns to action on Wednesday afternoon as they host Southwest Minnesota State after a two-day turnaround from a huge series win against St. Cloud State to take sole possession of first place in the NSIC. 

The Vikings and Mustangs were originally scheduled to play the series in Marshall, Minn., but field conditions have moved the series to Karras Park the home of Ronken Field. The doubleheader begins at 4:00 PM. 

Augustana enters the mid-week series with a three-game winning streak, including a sweep of No. 4 St. Cloud State. In their last four games, the Vikings were led at the plate by Will Olson, who batted .538 with two RBI and two doubles. JT Mix led the way against St. Cloud State, batting seven-for-nine at the plate. 

On the mound, Thomas Bruss highlighted the week for Augustana, pitching 6.2 innings with just one earned run surrendered. The sophomore struck out six batters in two appearances. 

Scouting SMSU

The Mustangs are coming off of a series win against Upper Iowa on the road where they went 2-1. Prior to the series with the Peacocks, the Mustangs had lost eight of the last 10 games. 

SMSU is led at the plate by Jayden Fleck who is batting .295 on the year with 12 RBI, two doubles, and four home runs. Tanner Strommen holds the best batting average on the team at .308.

On the mound, SMSU is led by starter John Bezdicek who holds a 1-2 record, with a 2.52 ERA. The sophomore has pitched two complete games on the year with 31 strikeouts in 25 innings pitched. 

Next Up

The Vikings travel to Minot, N.D. on April 6 to take on Minot State in a four-game series starting at 1:30 PM on Saturday and noon on Sunday. The final game of the series with the Beavers is a non-conference game.