MINNEAPOLIS – Jack Simonsen connected on two home runs to lift the North Dakota State baseball team past Minnesota, 5-2, on Tuesday night at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Simonsen got scoring started for NDSU (6-6) sending a three RBI double down the left field line to make the score 3-0. Following a scoreless second frame, Simonsen launched his first home run of the season to left center to extend the edge to 4-0 in the third.

The Gophers (4-10) answered back plating one run in the fourth and one in the fifth to cut the deficit in half, 4-2. Simonsen once again answered for the Bison in the sixth inning delivering his second home run of the contest over the center field wall to stretch the lead to 5-2. The Gophers attempted to rally in the eighth getting two runners on, but Joey Danielson worked the Bison out of the jam. NDSU went on to hold off Minnesota the rest of the way to secure the 5-2 win.

Riley Johnson (1-0) made his season debut and earned the win tossing two strikeouts over 2.0 innings. Skyler Riedinger earned his second save on the season finishing the final inning with one strikeout.

Simonsen went 3-of-4 at the plate with two home runs and one double. He also totaled a career-high five RBI with two runs.

NDSU will open up a three-game series against Maine on Friday at the Russmatt Central Florida Invitational. First pitch is set for Noon CT at Chain Of Lakes Park in Orlando, Fla.