February 13, 2026
FAYETTE, Mo. – Dakota State (S.D.) capitalized on NAIA's nationally-ranked and host-team Central Methodist (Mo.) miscues and received strong pitching down the stretch to earn a 3-2 victory Friday afternoon at Estes Field. The Trojans earned a split on the first day of the Eagle Invitational, despite falling short to No. 23 Columbia (Mo.) in the first game of the tournament earlier Friday.
The Trojans, which faced their third straight opponent that is ranked in the NAIA's Top 25 preseason poll, even their record at 3-3 overall. Central Methodist, No. 25 in the NAIA Baseball Coaches' Preseason Top 25 national poll and a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference, fell to 2-4.
How It Happened
Dakota State struck first in the opening inning.
Connor Raney drew a walk, stole second, and came home on
Aidan Perry's RBI single to center field for a 1-0 lead.
The Trojans extended the advantage in the third inning, taking advantage of three Central Methodist errors.
Cameron DeMaria reached an error by the Eagles, allowing Perry to score. Later in the inning,
Hunter Den Boer reached an error by the right fielder, bringing home DeMaria for a 3-0 cushion.
Central Methodist got on the board in the fourth when Simon 'JJ' Yoakum IV blasted a solo home run to right field to cut the deficit to 3-1.
The Eagles added another run in the sixth as Yoakum IV delivered an RBI single to right, trimming the lead to 3-2.
Dakota State's bullpen shut the door from there.
Austin Armstrong (S, 2) tossed two scoreless innings to earn his second save of the season, preserving the one-run victory.
At the Plate
Dakota State finished with six hits:
Central Methodist was limited to three hits:
- Yoakum IV went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs
- Jordan Vazquez added a hit and a walk
On the Mound
Treyten Kolar (W, 1-1) earned the win for Dakota State, working five innings and allowing two runs on one hit while striking out two. He walked three and hit three batters. Armstrong followed with two innings of relief, giving up two hits with one strikeout to secure the save.
Gavin Whitehurst (L, 0-1) took the loss for Central Methodist, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits over five innings with four strikeouts. Alexander Gryckiewicz pitched the final two innings, surrendering two hits and walking one.
Up Next
Dakota State faces Madonna (Mich.) in a doubleheader on the second day of the Eagle Invitational Saturday. The first game is set for 12 p.m.
