MINNEAPOLIS - Michael Handel's solo home run in the sixth inning provided the go-ahead run and Minnesota beat North Dakota State 4-2 in college baseball Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the Metrodome.

Handel provided an insurance run with a two-out RBI double in the eighth inning and Billy Soule retired three of the four batters he faced to get his second save of the year as the Gophers improved to 5-3.

Parker Trewin pitched five innings with five strikeouts in his first collegiate start but did not factor in the decision for NDSU (3-4).  Kirk Kenneally went 2-for-4 including a two-run double with two outs in the first inning.

The Bison advanced only two runners to second base over the final eight innings.  Dalton Sawyer, the second of five pitchers, fanned five of the 11 men he faced to keep Minnesota in the game.

Drew Ghelfi got the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings for the Gophers and improved to 1-0 on the year.  NDSU's Simon Anderson dropped to 0-1 with the loss.

North Dakota State opens a three-game series at Tennessee-Martin at 3 p.m. Friday, March 1.  The Skyhawks are 3-5 after sweeping a three-game series from Summit League member Fort Wayne.