WINONA, Minn. – The University of Sioux Falls almost spoiled Senior Day at Loughrey Field on Sunday afternoon, but a six-run Winona State University rally over the final two frames in the rubber match of a three-game series cemented a Warrior triumph in comeback fashion, 6-4.
Senior Brett Herber started on the mound for WSU and turned in a gritty outing, allowing four runs (two earned) on nine hits over 5.1 IP. Nicolas Herold (1-1) didn't allow a baserunner over the final 3.2 IP while striking out a career-best six batters for the win in relief.
The two teams breezed through the first five scoreless frames of the affair before the Cougars broke through with a four-run sixth inning.
The Warrior bats were held nearly silent over the first five innings, registering just two hits, before the home team got hot and hung a three-spot in the bottom of the seventh to make it a one-run tilt.
Nick Nalewanski started the seventh inning hit parade with a single to left field, later taking second on a passed ball. Mitchell Seager doubled home Nalewanski to score the first Warrior run. Two batters later, with runners on the corners, WSU's RBI-leader Derek Martin single to right field to slash the Sioux Falls' lead to 4-3.
With Herold mowing down the Cougars on the hill, Winona State kept its momentum going into the bottom of the eighth.
The Warriors' game-winning rally came with two outs in the eighth inning and was ignited by a Nalewanski walk. Seager was then hit by a pitch before the bases were suddenly loaded with Warriors after a Nathan Loomis walk. Zac Stange made the Cougars pay for their free passes with a two-run single up the middle and Martin added an RBI-single through the left side of the middle for good measure and a 6-4 WSU advantage.
Martin went 3-for-5 in the ballgame with three RBI for his seventh multi-RBI outing this year.
Winona State improves to 21-19 (13-14 NSIC) with the crucial victory while Sioux Falls concludes the weekend at 11-34 (9-22 NSIC).
Winona State wraps up its 2019 home slate with a pivotal doubleheader against Concordia, St. Paul on Wednesday as the Warriors and Golden Bears battle for the eighth and final spot in the upcoming conference tournament. WSU currently has a four-game cushion in the loss column over UMary with CSP right behind and five games remaining in the regular season. First pitch is set for 1:30 p.m.
