Summit League Tournament: UNC Secures First Victory
The University of Northern Colorado baseball squad opened its Summit League Tournament campaign with a 5‑3 victory over Omaha on Thursday night in Minneapolis. The Bears rode a solid outing from right‑hander Reece Wagner, who limited the Mavericks to three runs over seven innings.
Wagner, a first‑team All‑Summit League selection, displayed the poise of a seasoned ace, striking out six batters while walking just two. His seven‑inning effort kept the Bears in control early, allowing the offense to build a modest lead.
Next Challenge: South Dakota State
The win propels UNC into the winners’ bracket, where they are slated to meet second‑seeded South Dakota State at 5 p.m. on Thursday. The Bison, fresh off an upset over top‑seeded Oral Roberts, will test the Bears’ momentum.
Earlier in the day, South Dakota State had stunned Oral Roberts 7‑3, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the two powerhouses. Meanwhile, Omaha will face Oral Roberts in an elimination game at 11 a.m., hoping to stay alive.
UNC’s offense was bolstered by a balanced attack. Jaden Stone collected two hits and drove in a run, while Brett Barber added three hits and scored twice. Ethan Mooser contributed a hit and an RBI, and both Brandon Sanchez and Jake Bullard added a hit and an RBI each.
The tournament is being staged at the University of St. Thomas’ campus in St. Paul, Minnesota, a venue that has drawn praise for its facilities. The Bears’ third‑seed positioning reflects a strong regular‑season finish, while the absence of defending champion North Dakota State adds an unexpected twist to the bracket.