GLENDIVE, Mont. -- The Dickinson State baseball team continued its strong play in the Dakota Athletic Conference despite once against hitting the road to play at the Glendive Legion Field.
The Blue Hawks turned to pitcher Jamil Acosta to lead them to a 6-2 victory over Valley City State in the opening game of the doubleheader and scored the game-winning run on a passed ball to claim a 7-6 win in the second game.
"We're pleased with the way we played," said DSU coach Duane Monlux, whose team played at Glendive for the sixth time this season. "We came out with a couple wins, we're happy with that."
Acosta, who improved to 5-1 on the season, threw seven innings and allowed five hits and a run while striking out eight and walking just two.
The Blue Hawks backed up their pitcher defensively, pulling ahead 6-0 after a four-run third inning.
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"We kept 'em down," Monlux said. "Jamil, he's been really solid this year."
DSU battled back to win the second half of the twinbill.
The Vikings tied the game at 6-6 in the bottom of the fourth and held solid through the next 2½ innings thanks to relief pitching from Tucker Slagle and Andrew Grafton.
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, Vikings pitcher Grant Kragness' pitch to DSU pinch-hitter Ruben Solis got by catcher Justin Connell, allowing Liam Foran to sprint in from third base and score the game-winning run.
Grafton picked up the win to improve his record to 3-2 this season. Kragness was tabbed with the loss.
Dan Fernandez, Cody Holland and Mike Nash each went 2-for-4 for DSU.
DSU and Valley City State (4-11, 0-3 DAC) return to Glendive today to wrap up the four-game series.
Monlux said he's beginning to feel good about the 100-mile drive since the Blue Hawks (17-10) have compiled an 8-2 DAC record while playing in the city.
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"Glendive's our second home," Monlux said. "We're getting pretty familiar with our surroundings."
Dickinson State 6, Valley City State 2
VCSU 000 010 010 -- 2 8 4
DSU 204 000 00x -- 6 3 3
Jamil Acosta, Bryan Visser (8) and Chris Young. Dan Maurer, Shane Schoeneberg (6) and Garett Jackson. W-Jamil Acosta (5-1). L-Dan Maurer.
Highlights: DSU, Cody Holland 1-for-2, 2 runs; Jamil Acosta 7 IP, 8K, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB.
Dickinson State 7, Valley City State 6
VCSU 004 200 0 -- 6 9 5
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DSU 131 100 1 -- 7 8 0
Julian Ramirez, Tucker Slagle (4), Andrew Grafton (6) and Chris Young. Roberto Rodriquez, Grant Kragness (6) and Justin Connell. W-Grafton (3-2). L-Grant Kragness.
Highlights: DSU, Dan Fernandez 2-for-4; Cody Holland 2-for-4, 2B, run; Mike Nash 2-for-4.
Records: DSU 17-10, 8-2 DAC. VC 4-11, 0-3 DAC.
