MSU Athletics - Baseball

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2/27/10 vs. Mount Marty
@ Metrodome

White Team takes the series 3 games to 0 by winning final game 4-2.

Minot State University Red Team second baseman Caleb Heilman tries to complete a double play after forcing MSU White Team’s Eli Mihalick at second base during the Beavers Red and White Scrimmage Series Sunday at the Jack Hoeven Park. The White team won the game 4-2 and claimed the series 3-0.

White takes game 2 by a score of 3-2 to take a 2-0 lead on the best of 5 series.
Kory Houston led the White team offensively going 3-4 with a Home Run and a doube. Shayne Court was also 3 -4 on the day. The Red team was led by Michael Mesh who wen 1- 1 on the day with 2 walks.

White defeats Red 4-3 in game 1 of the Red vs. White Series

The White won the opening game of the series 4-3 as Kory Houston went 1-3 and Hornecker finished 2-3. For MSU Red, Heilman finished the game 1-2 and Kerry Boon went 2-3. The Beavers will continue the series throughout the week and through the weekend, weather permitting.

On July 10, Minot State University began the three-year process of becoming a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The NCAA Membership Committee informed MSU we would be entering year-one candidacy for NCAA Division II for the 2009-2010 season.

"We’re very pleased that the NCAA has chosen Minot State as a university that it would like to have as part of Division II. The change for athletics, the university and the community is an important one and fits best for the present and future of Minot State," said Rick Hedberg, athletic director at MSU. "Minot State University’s Vision 2013 calls for the university to become one of the premier public, regional universities in the Great Plains. It is our belief that a transition to NCAA Division II is one large step toward realizing that goal."

"Minot State University is interested in becoming a strong and viable member of NCAA Division II," MSU President David Fuller said. "The Division II mission of integrating intercollegiate athletics into higher education for the benefit of students and student-athletes is consistent with the mission and goals of our institution and athletic department."

After applying at the end of May, Minot State was one of more than a dozen colleges and universities attempting the jump to NCAA Division II. The decision to apply for Division II membership comes at the end of nearly four years of research by committees from Minot State, the athletics department, administrators, the community and Beaver Booster Club members.

Applying for membership in NCAA Division II did not guarantee Minot State would be accepted. The competitive process to review applications started after June 1 and culminated in the middle of July. The past four years of work preceding an application for membership is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to becoming an NCAA Division II athletic program.

"There is a candidacy period. We have two years with our current association, the NAIA. Certain benchmarks need to be reached during the process," said Hedberg. "The third year you’re considered ‘provisional status,’ and you are with your new affiliation, in this case NCAA Division II. In the fourth year, you can become a full-fledged member."

Minot State University's Mike Ronnie was named the Dakota Athletic Conference Senior of the Year following the postseason tournament that wrapped up Sunday at Minot's Corbett Field.

Ronnie, a senior from Red Deer, Alberta, was also first team All-DAC selection - the Beavers only such selection. He was joined on the second team by sophomore Eli Mihalick of Minot (third base), junior Kerry Boon of Red Deer (outfield) and senior Chris Corpe, of South Bend, Ind. (catcher).

Minot State dominated the Gold Glove Team as Mike O'Dwyer (Innisfail, Alberta) was named at first base, Ryne Hornecker (Minot) at shortstop, Kory Houston (Minot) in centerfield and Ryan Bodell (Minot) at the pitcher's spot. One player was named for each of the nine positions on the field.

Efrain Ruiz of Dickinson State was named the DAC MVP and teammate Jamil Acosta was named Pitcher of the Year. Hibraim Cordova of Dakota State took home Freshman of the Year honors, while Blue Hawks skipper Duane Monlux was named Coach of the Year.

The Comets collected 14 hits and eliminated Minot State University from the Dakota Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament with a 16-4 win Friday night at Corbett Field.

"We are a much, much better team than we showed today," MSU head coach Brock Weppler said. "It just wasn't our day. I don't know? ... It just wasn't our day."

The loss to Mayville was the second of the day for the Beavers, who also fell in their opening game with Jamestown College 10-0. For the MSU seniors, who played a big part in the turnaround of the Beavers' baseball program, it was a tough pill to swallow.

"It's just hard to believe it ends this way," MSU senior Mike Ronnie said. "It sucks for sure."

Mayville hit the ball early and often, as the Comets collected 11 runs through the first three innings.

"It's something you hope happens, it's just not something you're expecting," Mayville State head coach Scott Berry said of the hitting. "Crazy things happen in this game and Minot threw good pitching at us, (MSU starter Denver Wik) dealt with us quite handily a few weeks ago, we just had a great hitting day."

Eirk Scott led the Mayville charge with a perfect 3 for 3 day at the plate with three runs batted in and three runs scored. Jake McLain went 2 for 5 with a homerun in the fourth inning that helped put the Comets way ahead.

With the win, Mayville stayed alive in the tournament to play Dakota State today at 11 a.m. in a loser-out game.

"It's just hard to explain it. We are very proud of our kids for having the day that they did, but it wasn't like Minot didn't have good pitching," Berry said. "It was good pitching, but we just had a real good day and unfortunately for (the Beavers) they didn't."

MSU got off to a solid start, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. Kory Houston scored the first on a single by Mike O'Dwyer, who went 3 for 4 at the plate. Ryne Hornecker scored the second on a balk by Mayville pitcher Heath Lee, who earned the win.

Kerry Boon went 3 for 4, Houston was 2 for 4 and Ronnie scored a run on a Boon homer in the top of the third inning.

While it was disappointing end for the MSU seniors, they leave behind a team and a younger group that has a bright future.

"It's going to make us hungry next year," Weppler said. "There's a lot of young guys that are going to now what it takes. Those eight seniors we had taught them a lot and it's going to carry over."

Ben Cairns hit a grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning to spark a 10-0 Jamestown College win over Minot State in the second game of the day Friday.

Cairns' home run scored four of the Jimmies' six runs in the sixth inning. Jamestown took an early 3-0 lead with three runs in the bottom of the second, and it worked behind solid pitching from starter Phil Curtis.

"All year we felt that if could get good starting pitching, we were going to be OK," Jamestown head coach Tom Hager said. "Phil Curtis set the tone for us today. Not only did he put up a goose for us, but he also was able to keep plugging away with runners behind him in scoring position. I really felt like he was the difference for us."

Curtis' ability to work out of a jam meant the Beavers were left with runners stranded. In all, MSU left eight runners stranded through seven innings. Curtis went the full seven innings, scattering five MSU hits in the shutout win.

JC collected eight hits and a pair of home runs. Along with Cairns' grand slam, Kyle Montgomery also hit one out and was 2 for 3 with four runs batted in.

"We made plays when we had to, and we put the bat on the ball, so it was a pretty good day," Hager said.

At the start of the 2009 college baseball season, the Minot State University Beavers had only one goal.

A Dakota Athletic Conference title was the mark set by the team, especially for the MSU seniors, who have survived through the ups and downs of the past.

All the Beavers will get their shot this weekend as MSU (7-7 DAC, 10-17 overall) hosts the 2009 DAC Baseball Tournament at Corbett Field beginning today at 9 a.m.

"(Conference title) was definitely the goal, especially for the seniors because this is our last season and we want to play as long as possible," MSU senior pitcher Ryan Bodell said. "So anything short of that championship would be a disappointment."

Fellow MSU senior and DAC Baseball Player of the Week, Mike Ronnie, who has played all four collegiate years for the Beavers, feels a conference championship would be icing on the cake for the upperclassmen.

"For the seniors, I hope we can go out and finish on a winning note," he said. "For me, it would mean everything to win the tournament."

Ronnie is one of eight MSU seniors that have helped pull the MSU program out of the gutter and into contention, along with head coach Brock Weppler.

"It's been a while since we've had that older group like we've had this year," Weppler said. "It's been like having coaches out there, or when we are dealing with other things, they are right there helping the younger guys. They've been through it all, and they're hungry, as hungry as I've seen. The program has taken a lot of strides, but the future is now for them."

The Beavers enter the tournament as the No. 3 seed after taking three out of four games from Dakota State University this past weekend at Corbett. Last year, MSU entered as the No. 6 seed, but proved that it could play with anybody when it's on top of its game, which is exactly where the Beavers hope to be when they play No. 2 Jamestown College (10-5 DAC, 22-8 overall) today at noon. The two teams split in the regular season.

"We did well last year, played well, pitched well the whole conference tournament," Ronnie said. "The conference tournament is always about who gets hot at the right time, which is why last weekend was big. If we can stay hot and continue to put up runs, play solid defense and get our pitching going - we're going to be tough to beat."

MSU relied heavily on its hitting in the three wins over DaSU, and it sparked a hitting onslaught.

Folowing the weekend series, MSU is batting a combined .322, with seven players above the .300 mark. Ronnie leads the team as he is hitting .419, which is the third highest average in the conference behind Jamestown College's Jeremy Newman and Dickinson State's Efrain Ruiz. Ronnie has five home runs, 29 runs batted in, 17 stolen bases and carries a .677 slugging percentage. Also hitting above .300 currently are Mike O'Dwyer (.389), Chris Corpe (.377), Kerry Boon (.356), Eli Mihalick (.346), Taylor Isakson (.333) and Kory Houston (.322).

Along with his .322 batting average, Houston currently leads the conference in steals with 24 in 26 games. His average of .923 stolen bases per game ranks No. 3 in the nation at the NAIA Division I level. He also ranks No. 2 in the nation in steals attempted per game at 1.077.

"It's nice when you can put the bat on the ball like we have been doing," Weppler said. "It's the best we've been at the plate in a while and it gives pitchers confidence."

Weppler hopes the confidence gained over the weekend can carry into the tournament, where the Beavers will need solid performances on the mound.

"We've come a long way this season. Our sticks get better each time out and pitching has started to come around, but it has hurt us at times," he said. "We need to start holding teams to less runs and we need solid pitching to keep the momentum on our side when we take control."

Bodell will start on the mound for MSU when it takes on Jamestown today. The Minot native is coming off a shut-out performance against DaSU Saturday, and he feels that pitching is going to be key for all teams at the DAC tourney.

"I think whoever pitches the best is going to end up winning it all," he said. "(The MSU pitchers) definitely need to come out and throw strikes, and pitch the way that we are capable of pitching. When we do well on the mound, and our guys hit the way they have been, we are going to be tough to stop."

DAC No. 1 seed Dickinson State (12-3 DAC, 24-12 overall) receives a bye to start the day, but will play the winner of No. 4 Dakota State (5-7 DAC, 18-19 overall) and No. 5 Mayville State (4-10 DAC, 15-21 overall) this afternoon at 4 p.m.

Weppler feels that the tournament is going to come down to who wants it the most and is willing to do what it takes to capture the title.

"We're ready. The guys have shown that we can hang with any team in the conference," he said. "We're not going to settle for anything. The guys are hungry, excited and ready to go. I haven't seen them with this type of hunger and intensity. If we can go out there and get hot, anything can happen. It's just a matter of carrying everything into the weekend and getting the job done."

Mike Ronnie; Minot State; Senior; Left Fielder; Red Deer, AB ~ Ronnie batted .560 in leading the Beavers to a 4-2 record for the week. In the six contests, he was 14 of 25 at the plate with a double, two home runs, ten runs scored and ten RBI. He also walked twice and was seven for seven on stolen base attempts.

Bodell Named DAC Pitcher of the Week

Ryan Bodell; Minot State; Senior; Pitcher; Minot, ND ~ Bodell pitched in seven innings and allowed three hits in a 5-0 shutout win over Dakota State in his lone outing of the week. In the ballgame, he struck out nine and walked four.

Marathon Men

A day after the running of the Trestle Valley Marathon, the Minot State University baseball team decided to have one of its own.
The Beavers outlasted Dakota State University 15-14 in 10 innings, using a walk-off RBI single by Kerry Boon to keep their hopes alive of grabbing the No. 3 seed for the Dakota Athletic Conference playoffs.
The Beavers trailed 8-1 after 31/2 innings, led 11-9 after seven innings and trailed 14-11 after 81/2 innings.
"It was a roller coaster for sure. Really up and down," said Boon, whose fourth single of the game scored Mike O'Dwyer from second in the bottom of the 10th inning.
Boon finished 4-for-6 and was one of four MSU players to have multiple hits. Mike Ronnie went 3-for-6, while Braden Messer and Travis Bruner both batted 2-for-4 for the Beavers, who had 16 hits and committed two errors.
Brody Pinkerton picked up the win as he relieved Josh Hvidsten to start the ninth inning with the score tied at 14.
Trailing 14-11, the Beavers tied the game with a three-run eighth. Messer scored one of the three runs on Ryne Hornecker's sacrifice fly and Ronnie provided the other two with a two-out, two-run home run.
"We came out and did what we needed to do," Beavers head coach Brock Weppler said. "Pitching wasn't great, but at the same time we were down 8-1 in that first game and could've folded right there. But we showed a lot of resiliency and stuck with it."
Dakota State had an opportunity to take the lead in the top of the ninth, but Ryan Breitling and Chad Hunt both were tagged out at the plate by MSU catcher James Tolboe for an unusual inning-ending double play.
The win left the door open for the Beavers, who needed to sweep DaSU to take the No. 3 seed. They didn't let the opportunity slip away as they pounded out 14 hits and four home runs to win the nightcap 18-11.
The Beavers had 30 hits and six home runs during the doubleheader, helping them overcome less-than perfectpitching. Ronnie, Eli Mihalick and Bruner each finished with two home runs.
"We had good approaches at the plate, great approaches," Weppler said. "When the pitchers were getting down they went up there and looked for their pitch and they got it. Almost every ball was hit hard. Outs were hit hard. It was a very good day at the plate. Good to see."
Beavers starter Andy Leraas picked up the win in game two, despite allowing 14 hits and 10 runs (nine earned) in 4 2/3 innings.
Dakota State had 11 hits in game one and 15 in in game two. Josh Tiede had two home runs, including a three-run jack that cut the Beavers lead to 14-10 in the fifth inning of game two. Brian White homered in game one.
Minot State will play the DAC No. 2 seed in the opening round of the DAC playoffs this week. The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds will be decided by the outcome of a DAC doubleheader between Jamestown College and Dickinson State to be played early this week. Jamestown must sweep to earn the No. 1 seed.

Beavers Reach Pivitol Point

Coming into the 2009 season, the Minot State University baseball team had one goal.
Win a Dakota Athletic Conference championship.
With just a pair of conference doubleheaders remaining in the regular season, MSU is looking to put itself in the best possible position heading into the conference tournament.
As fate would have it, the Beavers are playing the right team at the right time.
MSU is hosting Dakota State for back-to-back DAC double headers this weekend, both of which will play a key role in claming the No. 3 seed heading into the DAC Tournament in Minot May 1-3.
"We want that No. 3 seed, and we are right there with a good chance to get it," MSU head coach Brock Weppler said. "That's a key position to be in, and it's a spot that we feel can play a role in us accomplishing our goal of winning a conference title."
The Beavers (4-6 DAC, 7-16 overall) currently sit fourth behind Dakota State (4-4 DAC, 17-16 overall). To seal the No. 3 seed, MSU will likely need to win three out of four Sunday and Monday.
A win over Dickinson State this past Monday helped get the Beavers into the position they wanted to be in. Sparking the win was a strong pitching performance from Andy Leraas that allowed MSU to play its type of baseball.
"We were able to do some things, steal some bases and move guys across, that's our type of baseball," Weppler said. "In order to do that, we need everything to come together, pitching, defense, hitting. It all has to come together if we want to win three out of four."
MSU is currently sixth in the NAIA in stolen-base attempts (3.217) and is eighth in stolen bases per game at 2.609 per contest.
Leading MSU in stolen bases is Kory Houston, who has been hampered by a shoulder injury. Houston has 21 attempts on the season, and was successful on 18 times.
Chris Corpe is leading MSU at the plate with a .375 batting average and is one of seven Beavers batting over .300. Mike Ronnie (.365), Mike O'Dwyer (.364), Eli Milhalick (.344), Kerry Boon (.343), Taylor Isakson (.333) and Houston (.303) are all hitting above .300.
Ryne Hornecker (.299) and Lee Loendorf (.299) are just under the mark for the Beavers, who are batting .306.
Dakota State is currently hitting .297, while giving up .300 against.
MSU will look to find a complete game, and will have the opportunity to finally play on its home field at Corbett Field.
"I think the win gave us back some confidence, and the guys are excited about finally getting back on Corbett, so we are expecting a good showing this weekend," Weppler said. "Now it's just a matter of getting out there and getting the job done."

Beavers Back on Track

After losing three straight to rival Dickinson State University, the Minot State University baseball team needed a lift.
The Beavers got the lift they needed and they responded.
Starting pitcher Andy Leraas threw a complete game shutout in the back half of a Dakota Athletic Conference non-conference doubleheader to lift the Beavers to a 4-0 win Monday afternoon at Jack Hoeven Park.
"That's the best Andy's been by far all year," MSU head coach Brock Weppler said of Leraas. "That was big."
Leraas retired 18 of 23 batters he faced, including eight strikeouts. He feels that when the Beavers are top of their game, they can play with anyone, and that the win over conference leading DSU is a step in the right direction.
"Dickinson is a great team, probably the best in the conference right now, and coming off of losing three in a row to them - it was a great win," Leraas said. "The guys got to their pitcher, and we did the little things to get the lead. Luckily I had the defense behind me to help me out of a couple of jams."
The win avenged DSU's 10-3 win in the opening game of the doubleheader. Weppler felt that the difference between the two games came in the team's approach.
"Better effort all the way around. We talked about it in between games, that we needed to step up the intensity," he said. "The first game we didn't show up. We just went through the motions and we didn't go through them very well. We took the benches away (inside the dugout), told the guys to stand up and get loud and it made for a completely different second game."
In game 2, MSU held DSU (22-11 overall) scoreless through three innings and took a 1-0 lead on a Dan Jackson run scored on a balk that was caused by Kory Houston stealing second base in the bottom of the third. Ryan Bodell hit a single in the fourth that scored Kerry Boon and gave MSU a 2-0 lead heading into the fifth, where the Beavers added two more insurance runs with Ryne Hornecker and Mike Ronnie both crossing home plate.
Weppler said getting the early lead has been key for the Beavers, who improved to 7-16 overall with the win, in the games they've won.
"In the games we've won, we got out early and the pitchers gained a little confidence and we start scoring some runs," he said. "We also did some good things on the base paths. We stole some bases, little things like that are our style of ball. That's the way we have to play."
Houston went 2 for 3 in game 2, while Boon was 1 for 3 and Chris Corpe went 2 for 2 for the Beavers, who will host Dakota State this weekend in four crucial games.
"We have Dakota State this weekend. We are right with them for that No. 3 seed, which is going to be important," Weppler said. "We're shooting for that three seed, so we have to go into (the weekend) and take three out of four. If we show up like we did in that second game, it's very possible. But if we show up like we did in the first game, we're probably going to lose four. We need to show up even-keeled and ready to go."
With the end of the regular season drawing near, the MSU players, especially the seniors, realize it's now or never.
"These are the most important games of the season, so hopefully our pitching, hitting and defense can all click together because when they do we're tough," Leraas said. "We know that when we put everything together, we can stick with anybody. We just have to continue to do that these last two weeks. I think this win is going to give us a good chance to come out strong this weekend."
This weekend's games between MSU and Dakota State are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Corbett Field starting at 1 p.m.

Beavers Split with Comets
CROOKSTON, Minn. - Minot State University pounded out 13 hits and eight runs to salvage a split of a pair of Dakota Athletic Conference games against Mayville State Thursday in Crookston, Minn.
The Beavers dropped a 3-1 decision in the first game, while they won the second game 8-2 in the second game.
"It was a real windy day in from right and it cut down the hitting," Minot head coach Brock Weppler said. "The first game turned into a small-ball game. We didn't get our leadoff man on and that cost us. (Ryan) Bodell threw pretty well, we just didn't score runs."
Bodell limited Mayville to five hits and three runs, but was the tough-luck loser in game 1.
Hits and runs, however, weren't at a premium in game 2 as the Beavers scored five in the second and ran to the win. Kory Houston had the big hit in the second as he deposited a three-run homer to cap the five-run second. Denver Wik had a solid outing on the hill as he went six innings, gave up three runs and struck out nine.
"We did a better job at the plate in game 2. We got the leadoff guy on in five of the seven innings and hit the ball hard," Weppler said. "Denver was real good on the mound."
Kerry Boon and Chris Corpe each went 3 for 3 in game 2 and Mike Ronnie added a home run to Houston's.
The Beavers take on Dickinson in four straight games, two in Dickinson Sunday and two at Minot's Jack Hoeven Park on Monday (2 p.m.) in the Beavers home opener.

Beavers Comeback Earns Split
SIDNEY, Mont. - Minot State University used a four-run rally in the seventh inning to earn a 9-8 win over Jamestown College here Saturday in Dakota Athletic Conference baseball action.
Also keying the win was reliever Bryan Krahler, who came in the seventh and earned a save. Ryan Bodell picked up the win as a starter for the Beavers, who were error-free in game 1. The Beavers trailed JC 7-5 heading into the top of the seventh.
MSU fell behind early in the second game and never recovered as Jamestown took the game 11-1 in five innings.
"We had a good game in the first one," MSU head coach Brock Weppler said. "We played good defense throughout and we seemed to get better as the game went on. After the fifth, we picked it up and started to the hit the ball. Bryan Krahler threw really and it was nice to see us get the lead and protect it.
"In the second game, we got down early and didn't recover. We just came out flat and we need to come out ready to close things out."
MSU's split improved its record to 3-5 overall in the DAC. Weppler said it's been a solid start to the season, which was made possible by the people of Sidney, Mont.
"It was nice to get to play there and everybody was real friendly and willing to help out in any way," he said. "When the second game was done, they welcomed us back out anytime. We really appreciate it and it's nice to have that with the way things are with snow situation."

Beavers split with Jimmies
SIDNEY, Mont. - Minot State University freshman Ryne Hornecker hit a double in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift MSU to an 18-17 win over Jamestown College in Dakota Athletic Conference baseball here Friday.
" He's been doing well," said MSU head coach Brock Weppler of Hornecker. "I can't count how many times he's come up big for us already. Every at bat he seems to give us something, which is nice to see that he's going to be a good player for us."
Hornecker's double scored fellow Minot native Kory Houston and Dan Jackson, who was pinch running for Chris Corpe. The Beavers had 16 hits in the win, which was earned by Lee Loendorf on the mound.
MSU continued its hot hitting in the second game, but fell 7-6 for the split. In all, the Beavers finished the day with 28 hits, while giving up 28 also.
"We hit the ball well today, but pitching is a big thing for us right now," Weppler said. "Lineup-wise, we have played the best pitchers in the conference, and we've proven we can put up runs, but we need to improve our pitching. Until we do that, we won't become the team we are capable of being."
James Tolboe, Travis Bruner and Ryan Bodell all hit home runs for MSU on the day. Hornecker went 3-for-5 in game one, Mike O'Dwyer went 5-for-7 at the plate in two games for the Beavers, who play Jamestown again today in another DAC doubleheader.

MSU Baseball Signs Three

Minot State University head baseball coach Brock Weppler headed north of the border for a trio of standouts as the Beavers signed Anthony Friesen, Jordan Gilmour and Cole Stober, the university an-nounced Saturday.
Friesen and Stober are pitchers, while Gilmour is an outfielder.
Friesen, from Somerset, Man., is a 6-foot-1 lefthanded pitcher. He participated on Team Manitoba in 2006 in the Canada Cup.
"I have been trying to get Anthony to Minot State all year. I tried to get him to transfer at break, but due to an injury, he was not able to," MSU head coach Brock Weppler said. "He will come in next year as a freshman and will throw quality innings for us right away. I had him down here in the fall and he was 84-87 mph with a good changeup and developing curveball. Anthony has a chance to be very good for us and I am excited to seem him pitch for Minot State."
Stober, a 6-foot-1 right handed pitcher from Hays, Alberta, is attending school at the Vauxhall (Alberta) Baseball Academy. He was the state tournament MVP last summer for the Vauxhall Legion team, striking out 115 batters in 75 innings with only 25 walks. He finished with an 11-2 record and a 2.76 earned runs average.
"Cole will come in next year and fight for a spot right away for us," Weppler said. "I am very excited to have the chance to coach him for next four years. He comes from an elite high school program, which is one of the best in Canada. He is well coached and is ready to come in and be successful as a freshman."
Gilmour is currently attending college in Quebec City, but will be a freshman next season for the Beavers. According to Weppler, Gilmour's best attribute will be his ability to run.
"Jordan can absolutely fly," he said. "He will probably be the fastest player on the team next year. He bats left handed and has a good swing and displays a strong arm in the outfield. He definitely deepens the depth in the outfield next year."

Kramer to Play at MSU
Bishop Ryan standout catcher Ben Kramer has decided to play baseball for Minot State University.
Kramer, a four-year starter at Bishop Ryan, is a two-time state Class B baseball champion and a four-time state baseball qualifier. He was twice named to the all-state tournament team, has a 3.5 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society and plans to major in sports medicine.
As a junior, Kramer batted .574 with 31 runs scored, 16 doubles, two triples and two home runs. He had a slugging percentage of .875, an on-base percentage of .660 and a fielding percentage of .995.

Dickinson State tops MSU twice
GLENDIVE, Mont. - Dickinson State University swept Minot State in a Dakota Athletic Conference baseball doubleheader Tuesday.
Dickinson State scored one run in the seventh and eighth innings to win 10-9 in the opener and used a five-run sixth to pull away for a 14-8 win in the nightcap.
Minot State head coach Brock Weppler said hitting wasn't a problem, but their pitching needs work.
"If we put nine runs on the board, we expect to win that game," he said of the opener. "We just have to do a better job pitching. We have to challenge hitters and pitch with a little more confidence."
Eli Mihalick batted 2-for-5 with a home run in the opener, where Kory Houston went 2-for-5, Ryne Hornicker 2-for-4 and Mike O'Dwyer 2-for-4.
In game two, Kerry Boon and Mihalick both batted 3-for-4.
Minot State plays Jamestown in a DAC doubleheader Friday in Sidney, Mont.

MSU Baseball and Dream Catchers 3rd Annual "Day at the Dome"
1/28/09

The Minot State University Baseball Team and the DreamCatchers held their 3rd annual "Day at the Dome" Wednesday evening at the MSU Dome. The DreamCatchers are a team comprised of special needs children, many of whom are wheelchair bound. The DreamCatchers organization was created by Michelle Bliven. Michelle and the MSU baseball team have been participating in the event for three years now and look forward to interacting with each other in the future.

The event started off by pairing the MSU Baseball Team with members of the DreamCatchers to form four teams of even numbers. The MSU Dome is divided by a net to form two fields for the games. The rules for the games are as follows: There are no outs, each batter gets to hit one time each inning, the last batter will run all of the bases. After the last batter has touched home, the teams switch and the team batting will now take the field. Some batters choose to hit off a tee, while others want to try their hand at swinging at a pitch thrown by a MSU baseball player. Once the teams have completed three innings of play, they lineup and shake hands with the opposing team.

"It is a fun game to watch and take part in", Head Baseball coach Brock Weppler said. "Both the baseball team and the DreamCatchers have a great time at the event. After the game it seemed as though some of our player's could have talked and joked around with some of the DreamCatchers all night long, it's a great experience. I think my favorite part of the evening was seeing some of the DreamCatchers slide into home plate."