South Dakota State University hit a program-record six home runs on April 30 but lost 13-12 in extra innings to North Dakota State University. The game took place in Fargo and featured a strong offensive showing from both teams.
The contest was notable for the Jackrabbits’ offensive performance, as they set a new single-game home run record. Despite this achievement, defensive errors and missed opportunities allowed the Bison to come back and win the game with a walk-off bunt.
The Jackrabbits started strong with early hits by Emma Vike and Abby Gentry, followed by Akayla Barnard’s three-run homer. Amanda Vacanti immediately followed with her first of three home runs, giving South Dakota State an early lead. Vacanti added two more homers later in the game, tying the program’s single-game record for home runs previously set by Ashley Durazo in 2011. Her seven RBIs also tied a school record held by Kendall Daniel and Rozelyn Carrillo.
North Dakota State responded throughout the game, narrowing deficits before tying it at 12-12 after seven innings. In extra innings, Barnard gave South Dakota State another lead with her second homer of the night, but fielding errors allowed NDSU to tie again before winning on a suicide squeeze bunt.
Barnard also tied a school record for most runs scored in one game with four. Tayler Baker pitched two relief innings for South Dakota State and was charged with the loss. The defeat ended an 18-game winning streak that South Dakota State held over North Dakota State; their all-time series now stands at 65 wins for SDSU against 76 for NDSU.
Looking ahead, South Dakota State will continue its three-game series against North Dakota State on Friday at Tharaldson Park.
