
Bismarck Takes Opener of Final Dakota Dust-up Series
August 12, 2023 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Bismarck Larks News Release
After a much-needed couple of days off, the Bismarck Larks traveled north to Minot for one final road game in 2023. In the series opener of a home-and-home series, the Larks came out victorious in a one-run squeaker.
Both teams would go back and forth early, but it was Minot that got on the board first in the second. Ethan Habelter (Crown) knocked in two with a single to make it 2-0. In the next frame, Bradlee Preap (UC San Diego) would put a ball in play on the left side of the infield, and a throwing error allowed the Larks to tie it at two-all.
The Hot Tots responded accordingly in the bottom of the third, using a Cam Kaufman (De Moines Area CC) sacrifice fly and a Gavin Daniel (Viterbo) RBI double to take another 2-run lead. But, the yellow birds would land another blow to tie the ballgame once again, as after a passed ball scored Brayden Koenig (Cumberland), Justin Goldstein (Middle Tennesse State) singled home a run to once again level the game at 4-4.
After a scoreless fifth, Bismarck took its first lead of the game thanks to Ryker Billingsley (UC Riverside), who launched a two-run round-tripper the other way to make it 6-4. However, Minot wouldn't quit. Habelter would steal home, and in the same at-bat, Jonah Shields (California State Bakersfield) knocked home a run to once again tie the ballgame.
In the top of the eighth, the Larks loaded the bases, and with two outs, shortstop Benjamin Rosengard (Undecided) played hero once again, pelting a single up the middle to give the Larks a 7-6 lead. From there, Ryan Taylor (Richland) shut the door for a two-inning save, and Bismarck went home winners, playing spoiler to the Hot Tots in Minot's final home game of the summer despite being outhit.
On the bump, Bismarck's Grayson Eierman (Moberly Area CC) picked up his first win of the summer out of relief, while Minot's Gavin Nalu (Stanford) collected the loss. Ryan Taylor's save was his second of 2023.
The Larks return to Bismarck Municipal Ballpark for one final time in 2023 on Saturday night to close out the two-game series against the Hot Tots. The Larks are currently 8-3 in the Dakota Dust-up Rivarly series and have a chance to sweep once again. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. CT. It's also Jurassic (Ball)Park Night and Dig for Cash Night, presented by North Dakota 811. Dakota Community Bank & Trust Field becomes Jurassic (Ball)park for the final game of 2023. Come to the game and get a limited-edition Jurassic Park T-Shirt featuring a Meadowlark as the T-Rex in the famous logo. PLUS, don't miss out on fans battling head-to-head for the chance to "dig" for $1,111 cash!
Northwoods League Stories from August 12, 2023
- Rockers Fall to Rafters to Close Out Regular Season - Green Bay Rockers
- Dogs Win Finale - Mankato MoonDogs
- Express Finish Regular Season on a Loss - Eau Claire Express
- Stingers Close Regular Season with 10th Consecutive Victory, Eek Out 4-2 Win Over Express - Willmar Stingers
- Rox Fall in Season Finale to Mud Puppies, Start Playoffs Sunday - St. Cloud Rox
- Battle Jacks Say Farewell to the McCU Faithful, Fall in Final Game of the Northwoods League Season to Jackrabbits 8-2 - Battle Creek Battle Jacks
- Spitters Fall to Rivets, 9-1 - Traverse City Pit Spitters
- Madison Wins Finale in Front of Sellout Crowd - Madison Mallards
- Lakeshore Falls in Their Last Game of the Season - Lakeshore Chinooks
- Wausau Loses 7-6 to Madison to End 30th Season - Wausau Woodchucks
- Growlers Fall in Penultimate Game of Regular Season - Kalamazoo Growlers
- Rafters Fall to Green Bay in Longest Game of the Summer - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Gross & McElyea Named to Northwoods League Postseason All-Star Team - St. Cloud Rox
- Rockers Conclude Regular Season against Rafters - Green Bay Rockers
- Madison Clinches Second-Half with Win After Thunderstorm Delay - Madison Mallards
- Rockers Win Third-Longest Game in Northwoods League History Over Rafters - Green Bay Rockers
- Battle Jacks Handle Jackrabbits 7-4, Aloisio and Conklin Energize the McCU Field Faithful - Battle Creek Battle Jacks
- Kingfish Prevail 9-6 Behind Explosive 3rd Inning - Kenosha Kingfish
- Bismarck Takes Opener of Final Dakota Dust-up Series - Bismarck Larks
- Express Lose Late Game to Stingers - Eau Claire Express
- Cal-State Northridge Duo Has Statement Game, Freddy Smith Picks up Win No. 100 in 7-2 Trouncing Over Express - Willmar Stingers
- Growlers Clinch Playoff Birth With Win Over Battle Creek - Kalamazoo Growlers
- Dock Spiders Walk-off Chinooks 8-7 In Wild Fashion - Fond du Lac Dock Spiders
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