South Dakota State University’s baseball squad captured the Summit League Championship on Sunday, defeating Oral Roberts University 9‑6 in a dramatic final that secured the Jackrabbits’ second appearance in the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament since 2013.
The championship series opened with Oral Roberts taking a 4‑1 win in the first game, setting up a winner‑take‑all showdown. In the decisive contest, SDSU answered early, plating two runs in the bottom of the fifth when Nic Werk smashed a two‑run double that put the Jackrabbits ahead for good.
Key Performances Drive the Victory
Luke Jones sparked the offense with a 4‑for‑4 effort and a walk, while Nate Wachter added two home runs. The lineup also featured Owen Siegert, Kaden Rylance and a host of other contributors who combined for a 12‑10 edge in hits, showcasing depth across the roster.
Relief pitcher Ty Madison earned tournament Most Valuable Player honors after fanning two batters over 5 ⅓ innings of relief, a performance that highlighted the team’s pitching resilience. The Jackrabbits will learn their NCAA postseason destination during the Selection Show at 11 a.m. Monday on ESPN2, a moment that promises to extend the season’s excitement.