Scrimmage stars

The DWU intra-squads and scrimmages of outside competition have drawn mixed results. The 2011-12 team has a great deal of talent but needs lots of improvement on the fundamentals. To be successful, the team has to pitch well, play sound defense, get timely hitting. Thus far this fall, the team has shown signs of real good play, albeit not as consistent as the coaching staff would like.

In week one, Kirk McBreen was named offensive player of the week. He was able to get on base consistently with hits scattered all over the field. He also owns the play of the year when he snagged a ball to short right field. He caught the ball in mid flight on a fully extended dive. Ethan Opsahl was the pitcher of the week with a solid performance against Augustana. Tony Pakukta was the inspirational leader in that scrimmage, while Jon Holsworth was awarded the defensive player of the week in left field.

Sam Schumacher was the offensive player last week after earning five hits in the two scrimmages. The left-handed shortstop has been a very consistent hitter and has shown improvement on the defensive side. Zak Custer was awarded the top pitcher for the week after throwing two scoreless innings. Erk Nockleby made the top defensive play after chasing down a line drive in the left centerfield gap and throwing out a runner at third base.

Saturday, we scrimmage the South Dakota Amateur All-Stars at Drake Field. The games have been moved back to 5/7 p.m. to accomodate fans of the afternoon Homecoming football game. We hope to see you there!

Fall Schedule Set

Dakota Wesleyan University has announced its 2011 fall baseball schedule. The schedule includes scrimmages against some of the best players in South Dakota. The Tigers open the fall schedule Sept. 16 against Augustana and concludes with the annual best of 7-game intra-squad World Series the week of Oct. 17-21. All games will be played at Drake Field. All scrimmages are free and open to the public.

2011 Fall Season
Sept. 16 – Augustana, 5/7 p.m.
Sept. 22 – Sioux Falls (club team) 6 p.m.
Sept. 30 – South Dakota Amateur All-Stars, 6 p.m.
Oct. 7- Alumni Game, 6 p.m.
Oct. 14 – South Dakota Amateur All-Stars, 6 p.m.
Oct. 17-21 – Black & Blue World Series (intra-squad)

Alumni game set

The Dakota Wesleyan University alumni game is set for Friday, Oct. 7 starting at 6 p.m. The game is always a great time for all. It gives the current players a chance to see how much talent has played at DWU over the years. It also gives the "old" guys a chance to see the up and coming players. Some of the former players are also encouraged to play in the South Dakota Amateur All-Stars vs. DWU on Sept. 31 and Oct. 14. The scrimmages feature some of the best amateurs in South Dakota.

All players can register to play by e-mailing head coach Steve Gust at stgust@dwu.edu

Several former players have committed to the game including the following:
Casey Solem
Thomas Picket
Corey Marek
Shannon Sandoval
Alex Sumner
John Greicar
Jeff Sanchez
Mario Mendoza
Phil Johnson
Nick Cappuccilli
Trevor Salmonson
Colin Hacker