Dakota State rallies from 5-1 deficit to beat Dakota Wesleyan in extra innings

The Trojans scored two runs in the 10th inning to complete the comeback victory.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:52am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting breaking down a baseball game into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant navy blue, gold, orange, and black colors.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic comeback win by Dakota State over rival Dakota Wesleyan, with the two teams' colors and geometric shapes colliding on the field.Valley City Today

Dakota State overcame an early 5-1 deficit to defeat rival Dakota Wesleyan 7-6 in 10 innings in a non-conference baseball game. The Trojans rallied back from the four-run hole and ultimately pushed across two runs in the top of the 10th inning before holding off a late Tiger charge to secure the extra-inning victory.

Why it matters

This comeback win extends Dakota State's winning streak to seven games in the series against Dakota Wesleyan, showcasing the Trojans' resilience and ability to battle back from a large deficit. The game also sets up an anticipated rematch between the two teams scheduled for April 14 in Madison, S.D.

The details

Dakota State struck first in the opening inning on an RBI single by Aiden Barfuss, but Dakota Wesleyan responded with a five-run bottom half to take a 5-1 lead. The Trojans chipped away over the middle innings and tied the game in the ninth inning when Den Boer scored on a passed ball, forcing extra innings. In the top 10th inning, Dakota State capitalized on patience at the plate, as Kittridge drew a bases-loaded walk for the go-ahead run and Barfuss added a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 7-5. Dakota Wesleyan plated one run in the bottom half, but DSU's Brody Thompson closed the door to secure the win.

  • The game was played on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • The teams will play again on April 14, 2026 in Madison, S.D.

The players

Aiden Barfuss

A player for Dakota State who had an RBI single in the first inning and a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to help lead the Trojans' comeback.

Mason Riley

A player for Dakota Wesleyan who had an RBI hit in the five-run first inning that gave the Tigers an early lead.

Kellan Johns

The Dakota State pitcher who threw nine innings in relief, limiting the Tigers to one run on four hits and recording nine strikeouts.

Brody Thompson

The Dakota State pitcher who recorded the save, closing the door on Dakota Wesleyan's late comeback attempt in the 10th inning.

Den Boer

The Dakota State player who scored the tying run in the ninth inning to force extra innings.

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What they’re saying

“This was a huge win for us, coming back from a big early deficit against a rival. The guys showed a lot of fight and resilience to battle back and get the victory.”

— Kellan Johns, Dakota State Pitcher

What’s next

The two teams will meet again on April 14, 2026 in Madison, S.D. for another nine-inning game, setting up an anticipated rematch between the Trojans and Tigers.

The takeaway

Dakota State's dramatic comeback win over Dakota Wesleyan showcases the Trojans' ability to battle back from large deficits and the intense rivalry between the two programs. The rematch scheduled for next month will be a must-watch event for local baseball fans.