DSU Baseball loses NSAA Championship game 1-0 to Bellevue

JD Kirchner did all he could to extend the Dakota State baseball season on Tuesday. Taking on Bellevue in the NSAA Championship, Kirchner threw a complete game, allowing just one run while striking out four. But that lone run was one too many, as the Trojans season came to an end with a 1-0 loss to the Bruin’s. 

Kirchner allowed the game’s only run in the 3rd. After hitting Kanta Kobayashi and then throwing two wild pitches that moved him to third base. Alec Ackerman then lifted a sac fly to score Kobayashi. That lone run was enough for Bellevue starter McGrane Pledger. He allowed just five baserunners and struck out six Trojans in the shutout. 

The loss ends the Trojans’ season with a record of 33-18. That’s the most wins for DSU since 2007. DSU set school records for hits, doubles, and runs scored, and DSU pitchers combined to set a new record for total strikeouts. Sophomore Mason Macaluso continued to rewrite the DSU record books this year as well. He set single season records for the most hits and RBI’s, and is now 2nd in both career home runs and RBI’s. 

The Trojans will return most of their roster next season. Devin DeBoer, David Kirby, Cameron Pitts, Carver Hultgren, and Alec Gannon are the only seniors on a roster of over 50 players.