March 21, 2026

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Trailing 6-2 after three innings, Dakota State (S.D.) outscored Bismarck State (N.D.) 11-1 for the rest of the game to earn a 13-7 Frontier Conference baseball season opener at Sanford Sports Complex.  The Trojans erupted for six runs in the bottom sixth inning to break open a tightly contested game, turning a 7-7 into a commanding lead they would not relinquish.

Dakota State improved to 8-14 overall record and 1-0 Frontier Conference.  Bismarck State fell to 12-8 overall record and 0-1 record in the league.
  How it happened
Bismarck State struck first in the opening inning, but Dakota State quickly answered on an RBI double by Aidan Perry to even the score at 1-1.

The Mystics built momentum in the second and third innings, plating five runs combined to take a 6-2 lead. Kaeden Wilcox highlighted the surge with a two-RBI double, while Eric Reiling added a sacrifice fly.
Dakota State chipped away in the middle innings. Aidan Marsh launched a solo home run in the second, and the Trojans added two runs in the fourth inning to cut the deficit to 6-4.

After Bismarck State extended its lead to 7-4 in the fifth on a Brayden Bunnell solo home run, Dakota State responded immediately. Cameron DeMaria blasted a solo homer, and Chris Vinson delivered a clutch two-RBI double to tie the game at 7-7 heading into the sixth.

The decisive moment came in the bottom of the sixth inning. Cameron Kittridge crushed a grand slam to give Dakota State an 11-7 lead, capping a six-run inning fueled by timely hitting and defensive miscues. The Trojans added two more runs in the frame via a wild pitch and an error, extending the advantage to 13-7.

Dakota State's bullpen shut the door from there, holding Bismarck State scoreless over the final three innings.
  Key Performers

Dakota State

• Cameron Kittridge: 2-for-4, home run, 4 RBIs, 3 runs
• Chris Vinson: 2-for-5, 3 RBIs, double
• Aidan Marsh: 2-for-3, home run, 2 RBIs
• Cameron DeMaria: 1-for-4, home run, 2 runs
• Aiden Barfuss: 2-for-3, 2 runs, 2 stolen bases
• George Hogan: 2-for-5, 2 runs

Bismarck State

• Kaeden Wilcox: 2-for-5, 2 RBIs, 2 doubles
• Brayden Bunnell: 1-for-3, home run, 2 runs, RBI
• Eric Reiling: 2-for-3, RBI
• Pacey Phillips: RBI

Pitching Summary

Dakota State:

• Max Woll (W, 2-0): 5.0 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 3 SO
• Treyten Kolar: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Collin Grimmel (Sv, 1): 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 SO

Bismarck State:

• Eli Thompson: 4.0 IP, 6 ER, 6 SO
• Eli Nyhammer (L, 0-1): 0.2 IP, 6 R (4 ER)

Dakota State pitchers combined to retire the final nine batters and did not allow a hit over the last three innings.
  Team Statistics
 

Category	Dakota State	Bismarck State
Runs	13	7
Hits	13	7
Errors	0	4
Left on Base	8	7
Home Runs	3	1
Walks	5	5
Strikeouts	9	8

Up Next

Dakota State plays Valley City State (N.D.) in the second game of the Frontier Conference Jamboree, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls.