South Dakota State baseball loses to Arizona State, season ends

The No. 4 South Dakota State baseball team allowed 16 runs in the fifth and sixth innings in a 17-0 loss to No. 3 Arizona State in an elimination game at the NCAA Tournament’s Lincoln Regional.

Starting pitcher Drew McDowell was tagged for three runs allowed in four-plus innings, then three consecutive relievers failed to record an out.

Kaden Rylance walked two batters who came around to score, Tristan Augedahl gave up four hits and a walk and was tagged for six runs (five earned) and Austin Henry walked two batters and allowed a run.

Sam Novotny followed and allowed four earned runs and five runs total over his two innings of work.

Matthew Werk and Jacob Sjuts each threw a scoreless inning to close out the contest.

Arizona State starter Kole Klecker ripped through the Jackrabbits’ lineup, allowing three hits in eight scoreless innings while striking out 13.

Keagan Jirschele doubled for South Dakota State, and Nic Werk and Luke Jones both singled. Nate Wachter and Grant Sorensen each drew a walk.

The Jackrabbits’ season ends with a 24-33 record. Arizona State will face the loser of No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 2 Ole Miss.