Viking Baseball Takes On Minot State In Weekend Series

3/26/2021 2:33:00 PM

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- No. 19-ranked Augustana baseball continues its 10-game homestand this weekend with a three-game series against the Beavers of Minot State.

The Games
First pitch for Saturday's doubleheader is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. with game three set to start at noon on Sunday. This weekend, in compliance with Augustana's COVID-19 protocols, attendance for the games will be open to the public with a limited capacity. All spectators must wear a mask unless actively eating or drinking. In addition, fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to help support physical distancing. The full spectator policy can be found here.

As always, live video and live stats will be provided on GoAugie.com/Live.

The Beavers
Picked to finish fourth in the NSIC, Minot State comes into its matchup with Augustana at 6-3 overall and 4-0 within the conference. The Beavers split a doubleheader with Northwest Missouri State before dropping single games to Pittsburg State and Rogers State. They have followed the losses with a five-game winning-streak, defeating Central Oklahoma once, Sioux Falls three times and Upper Iowa once.

The Vikings
Augustana comes into the weekend series at 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the conference, after splitting a mid-week doubleheader with SMSU. Nationally, the Vikings are ranked 19th while holding the No. 3 spot within the Central Region.

On the mound, the Augustana pitching staff is averaging over 10 strikeouts per game, with 92 total through the first nine contests. The probable starters this weekend, senior Max Steffens, junior Tanner Brown and sophomore Ryan Jares, all have over 10 innings pitched, nine-or-more strikeouts and ERAs under 2.00.

Offensively, the Vikings have eight hitters above the .300 mark, have out-hit their opponents 85-66 and have outscored their opponents 69-38.

The Riley Johnson watch is very much in effect for this Augustana homestand. The senior outfielder is just seven runs scored shy of the career runs record, 10 hits shy of the career hits record and five stolen bases shy of the career stolen bases record. Johnson is also on a 13-game hitting-streak, dating back to last season.

Player to Watch
Senior lefty Koby Bishop has earned two victories out of the pen this season with solid relief performances. Look for Bishop to come into the game and lock things down.

One Last Thing
The Vikings are 22-7 in the all-time series with the Beavers, with Augustana winning 14 of the last 16 matchups.

-- GoAugie.com --

Print Friendly Version