DELAND, Fla. – The North Dakota State baseball team scored four runs in the first two innings to help pick up a 5-1 win over Monmouth on Saturday afternoon at Melching Field.

The Bison got off to a fast start after Diego Trujillo hit an RBI double down the right field line to make the score 1-0 in the first inning. The Bison carried the momentum into the second inning loading the bases with an infield single, a bunt single, and a walk. Tyman Long then hit a bases clearing double down the line to extend the lead to 4-0.

Brayden Marks then worked four more scoreless frames to pick up his first win of the season. Marks allowed just one hit and two walks while striking out five over a career-long six innings. Colten Becker lifted an RBI sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh to increase the lead to 5-0. The Hawks pushed one run across in the eighth, but NDSU went on to close out the 5-1 victory.

All 10 Bison batters to step to the plate reached base at least once, eight coming via hits and two from walks. Long finished the day with two doubles and three RBI, while Kaden Connor added on a double of his own, along with a walk and a run.

Zak Szabo tossed one inning in relief, giving up a hit and three walks, but allowed no runs. Cade Wiegert closed out the game for NDSU, tossing the final 2.0 innings with three strikeouts and one run.

NDSU wraps up play at the Stetson Tournament tomorrow against No. 22 Virginia. First pitch is set for 9:00 a.m. CT.