FARGO, N.D. – St. Thomas plated seven runs in the first three innings to pick up an 11-3 win over the North Dakota State baseball team in the series opener on Friday night at Newman Outdoor Field.

The Tommies (18-19, 12-6 Summit) used three home runs in the first three innings, including a three-run homer from Matthew Maulik in the opening frame to build a 7-0 lead after three complete innings.

The Bison (14-25-1, 9-9-1 Summit) attempted to cut into the deficit sending across two runs in the fifth to make the score 7-2 after Garret Hill drove an RBI single into right field. NDSU then went on to leave the bases loaded in both the seventh and eighth innings before dropping the contest, 11-3.

NDSU totaled 11 hits as a team with Jake Schaffner going 3-of-4 at the plate.

Leland Wilson (1-6) made the start tossing five strikeouts over 4.0 innings. Alex Karns also provided a season-high 4.2 innings of relief with a season-best five strikeouts.

NDSU will continue its series with St. Thomas tomorrow. First pitch is set 2:00 p.m., at Newman Outdoor Field.