March 13, 2026

McKENZIE, Tenn. – Dakota State (S.D.) exploded offensively in the opener before Bethel (Tenn.) rallied in the nightcap as the two teams split a non-conference baseball doubleheader Friday afternoon at Kahlden Complex.  The Trojans dominated the first game 18-6 behind massive fourth- and fifth innings and a two-home-run performance by Aidan Marsh, while the Wildcats used a five-run third inning to take the second game 8-6.

Dakota State moved to 6-13 overall after the split while Bethel improved to 5-13.
  Game 1: Dakota State 18, Bethel (Tenn.) 6 – FINAL

Dakota State's offense erupted for 18 runs on 15 hits, including a seven-run fourth inning and another seven-run fifth inning to overwhelm Bethel in the opener.

The Trojans broke a scoreless game in the third inning when Aidan Marsh blasted a solo home run to right field. DSU then blew the game open in the fourth inning. Cameron DeMaria and Cameron Kittridge delivered RBI hits before Marsh crushed a grand slam to extend the lead to 7-0. Chris Vinson followed immediately with a solo homer to make it 8-0.

Dakota State added seven more runs in the fifth inning with RBIs from Kittridge, Aiden Barfuss, Connor Raney, Aidan Perry, and a two-run double by Camaron Haller to stretch the lead to 15-1.

Bethel attempted a comeback with five runs across the fifth and sixth innings, highlighted by a triple and RBI single from Zayden McCaslin and a two-run double by Connor Phinizy. The Trojans responded with three more runs in the seventh inning to seal the victory.

Key Performers – Dakota State

• Aidan Marsh: 3-for-3, 3 runs, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs
• Camaron Haller: 3-for-4, 2B, 3 RBIs
• Cameron DeMaria: 3-for-5, 2 runs, 2 RBIs
• Aidan Perry: 1-for-4, 3 runs, RBI
• Connor Raney: 1-for-5, 2 runs, RBI

Austin Armstrong earned the win on the mound.

Pitching – Dakota State

• Austin Armstrong (W, 1-2): 6.2 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 4 K
• Cole Drumheller: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R

Game 2: Bethel (Tenn.) 8, Dakota State 6

Dakota State jumped out to an early lead, but Bethel answered with a five-run third inning and never relinquished control in the nightcap.

The Trojans scored three runs in the second inning after Raney delivered a two-run double and Marsh drove in a run on a fielder's choice.

Dakota State extended the lead to 4-0 in the third inning on a George Hogan RBI groundout.

Bethel quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning. Cade Pilkinton hit a two-run single before Adriel Vega launched a three-run home run, giving the Wildcats a 5-4 lead.

The Wildcats added three more runs in the sixth inning on an RBI single from Evan Cardwell and another RBI hit by CJ Lattimore to stretch the lead to 8-4.

Dakota State attempted a late rally in the seventh inning when Haller hit a two-run homer, but Bethel held on for the win.

Key Performers – Dakota State

• Camaron Haller: 2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI
• Connor Raney: 1-for-4, 2 RBIs
• George Hogan: 1-for-3, RBI
• Aidan Marsh: 1-for-3, RBI

Pitching – Dakota State

• Hayden Leighty (L, 0-2) : 5.0 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 4 BB, 1 K
• Kellan Johns: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R

Up Next

Dakota State concludes their four-game series with Bethel (Tenn.) Saturday with another doubleheader at 12 p.m.