South Dakota State junior Jesse Sawyer batted in the Jackrabbits’ tying run in the top of the eighth, as well as the base-clearing three-run triple to end the game after ten grueling innings of play.

“[Sophomore pitcher] Connor Hulse did a great job leading late into the ball game, but our bullpen kind of fell apart, getting behind hitters and walking guys,” Walsh said. “[Sophomore Jonah] Klees and [freshman Robert] Wineski were just getting banged up a little bit.”

In the end, South Dakota State’s powerful offense proved too much for Harvard to handle.

MINNESOTA 7, HARVARD 1

On the first day of the tournament, the Golden Gophers defeated the Crimson in a gritty defensive game.

Sophomore Brent Suter started on the mound and kept Minnesota’s lead to within two runs, but a late streak of Golden Gopher batters broke open the game and created a deficit Harvard couldn’t match.

Minnesota’s junior pitcher Seth Rosin, who struck out 12 Harvard batters, kept the Crimson’s offense quiet for the day.

“We had a really tough time catching up to his fastball,” Walsh said. “It was just great pitching that stopped us.”

Harvard recorded five hits, but with only one run, it wasn’t enough to avoid the loss.

The Metrodome Tournament marked the beginning of the Crimson’s busy schedule, and the remaining matches of this ten-game road trip could bring some unexpected challenges.

Harvard is dealing with injury-related setbacks to key players including junior pitcher Max Perlman and Albright behind the plate, but a string of freshman pitchers looks to bring fresh talent to the field.

“They’re going to see a lot of innings,” Albright said. “And the most important thing is to get them used to being on the mound in some high stress situations where we’ll be relying on them to get outs.”

But no matter the outcome, the team is looking to enjoy the rest of the trip.

“All I say, is that they’re getting to play baseball everyday on spring break,” Walsh said. “With this great group of kids, it’s something special. Team morale’s going to be high, win or lose.”

—Staff writer Madeleine Smith can be reached at smith21@college.harvard.edu.