Metrodome weekend

The DWU baseball team opened the season over the weekend and came away with a loss and tie against Division II foe Montana State-Billings. MSU scored six runs in the sixth inning en route to a 9-3 win in game one. The score was tied at 4-4 in game two before the time limit elapsed. The games gave DWU a chance to get on a field after spending the past five weeks in the gym. According to head coach Steve Gust, it was a good expereience and performance from his team. "We made some mistakes, but we saw a lot of good things, as well," Gust said. "We gave guys some opportunities to see what they could do. For the most part, we liked what we saw." DWU went through eight pitchers in the two-game set. "We need to find out what guys can get the job done in certain situations," Gust said. "Again, we saw some good things. We just need to shore up on some of the mistakes we made." Offensively, the Tigers scored 7 runs and had other opportunities to score. "We had some good at-bats," Gust said. "We have some pretty good hitters up and down our line-up. We just need more game expereince." Gust handed out individual awards for the games. Hitting award- Kirk McBreen (on base 5 of 7 plate appearances) Base running - Cole Wenande Defense - Toby Kaplan (catcher) Pitching - Nate Everett (one scoreless inning) Unsung hero- Cody Silvieria

DWU baseball video

Check out the 2012-13 DWU baseball video, produced by Mike Kaplan. It gives you an inside look at the players and whay they have done to prepare for the 2013 season. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZyvuVkYyZs

Captains named

The DWU baseball team recently announced it's captains for the 2013 season. Michael Lukkason and Nick Tadlock have been named for the second straight year. Lukkason, a SS, and Tadlock, an OF and DH, are great leaders, according to head coach Steve Gust "They do what it takes for the team to be successful," Gust said. "We expect them to step up their leadership even more this year." The pair have started for the Tigers for the last two seasons. Toby Kaplan was also named as he enters his second and final season with the Tigers. "Toby has established himself as one of the hardest working guys on the team," Gust said. "He is unselfish and committed to doing whatever it takes." On the pitching side, seniors Nick Pecha and Matt Mundfrom were given the nod from their teammates. "Those guys set the tone for this fall," Gust said. "We need our pitching staff to step up for us this year, and those guys did a good job of leading them."

Metrodome time changes

There has been a time change in DWU's season opening games against Montana State University on Friday, February 8. Instead of an 11:45 a.m. start time in the Metrodome, the doubleheader will now begin at 4:30 p.m. The two-game set kicks off a 55-game regular season for the Tigers. DWU's second series of the year has the team traveling to Wichita, KS to take on Kansas Wesleyan University in a three-game set Feb. 16-17. There is also a minor time change when DWU returns to the Metrodome Feb. 22-23. The Friday, February 22 game will now begin at 11:30 instead of the original 11:45 start time. The start time for the Saturday, Feb. 23 doubleheader will remain at 7 a.m.

Players participate in community service

Several DWU baseball players recently contributed to community service projects in Mitchell, SD. Last week, the players helped pump gas at County Fair for the Grocers against Cancer fund-raiser. The players pumped gas for an hour, helping out dozens of other volunteers from Mitchell. The players who worked the service project included: Kirk McBreen Nick Tadlock Alex Meyer Josh Wagner Jesse Elward Matt Mundfrom Shaun Dean Tim Cusick Nick Pecha Tony Pakukta In addition to the cancer fight, other players helped move a family from Mitchell to a community outside Minneapolis. A handful of players spent a day to pack and load an entire house of belongings. Those student-athletes included: Alex Hinz Tim Cusick Mickey Grant Brendan Roth Nick Tadlock Christian Doyle Cody Silveria "Our guys are quality individuals, and it shows both on and off the field," DWU head coach Steve Gust said. "We feel it is important to help the community. I give these guys a lot of credit for volunteering their time for such great causes." The team was treated to a Thanksgiving dinner - complete with turkey and all of the trimmings - last Thursday on the DWU campus. The faculty and staff served the meals to the student-athletes.

Spring Break hotel information

Fans of the Dakota Wesleyan University can get the same discounted hotel rates as teams participting in the Tucson Invitation Games. The Tigers will be staying at the Residence Inn of Tucson. The following provides more information on the hotel, which includes a free breakfast buffett in the morning. Residence Inn $129(Suite) or $99(Studio) + tax 6477 E. Speedway Blvd. / Tucson, AZ 2‐bedroom or Studio Suite w/ Full Kitchenette Complimentary Deluxe continental breakfast Distance to Lincoln Park – 6 miles Distance to Kino Complex – 9 miles

Heading back to Tucson

The Dakota Wesleyan University baseball team will be heading back to Tucson, AZ for its annual spring break trip. The Tigers will participate in the Tucson Invitational games March 2-9, 2013. The team will stay at the Residence Inn in Tucson. "We're excited to go back to Tucson," DWU head coach Steve Gust said. "It hardly ever rains, the fields are great, and we're going to see a variety of teams this year." The Tigers will play about 10 games during the trip. The schedule of games and times have yet to be announced. It is expected to be released before the first of the year."