THE RUNDOWN

The No. 17 ranked DBU Patriots (3-0) pummeled the North Dakota State Bison (0-3) Sunday afternoon to complete their first sweep of the 2025 campaign. Starter Rian Schwede was magnificent in his Patriot debut, throwing five innings of one-run ball, amassing eight strikeouts, and receiving the win. Schwede is the first DBU starting pitcher to make it through five innings in a start this season.

Schwede would concede the lone Bison run to the first batter of the game, allowing a solo home run to the NDSU leadoff hitter. The DBU pitching staff would then record 27 outs without allowing another run. 

The Patriot offense would take the lead in the bottom of the first and went on to score 11 unanswered runs. Tom Poole would start the RBI party with a single to right field, and Chayton Krauss followed up with a single to right field of his own to take the lead.

Landon Underhill's first double of the afternoon brought in two runs in the bottom of the third. Poole and Grant Jay each worked full-count walks to set the table for Underhill. 

In the bottom of the fourth, the Patriot offense posted their second five-run inning of the weekend, matching their total from the bottom of the first on opening day. Michael Dattalo stepped up with the bases loaded and drove in two with an RBI single, followed by a Tom Poole walk, which loaded the bases again for Grant Jay. Jay and Chayton Krauss would hit consecutive sacrifice flies to make the score 9-1. Landon Underhill drove in the fifth run of the inning with his second double of the game. 

Dan Heefner would turn to Avery Duncan, Athan Kroll, Tyler Schott, and Ashton Branson to handle the final twelve outs. The bullpen would accumulate six strikeouts across four frames, highlighted by Ashton Branson striking out the side in the top of the ninth.

THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Avery Duncan, Athan Kroll, and Ashton Branson made their Patriot debuts out of the bullpen this afternoon.
- DBU's 11 runs were scored without a home run being hit.
- Grant Jay currently leads the team in walks with four (two today).

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
6 - Patriot baserunners swiped six bags this afternoon. Tom Poole led the way with three.
.875 - Joey Nerat's On-Base-Percentage through his first two starts (2 doubles, 2 HBP today).
8 - Rian Schwede's eight strikeouts are a single-game career high.

ON DECK
The Pats turn their attention to their first midweek game of the 2025 campaign as they face the UTRGV Vaqueros (2-1, 0-0 SLC) in a neutral-site contest at Globe Life Field. First pitch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.