Preview: North Dakota State Bison at South Dakota State Jackrabbits

BROOKINGS, S.D. (Interstat) — Rivals North Dakota State and South Dakota State will meet in the opener of a Saturday doubleheader at Erv Huether Field, with both teams seeking momentum amid difficult starts to the season.

The Bison (4-17) evened the series with a 6-1 victory Friday night behind a dominant pitching performance. South Dakota State (5-17) looks to rebound in the first game of the twin bill.

North Dakota State will lean on right-hander Parker Puetz, who was spectacular in Friday’s win. Puetz threw six no-hit innings, allowing one earned run while striking out seven. Over his last two starts, spanning 12 innings, he has allowed just three earned runs while striking out 13, though he has struggled with command at times earlier in the season.

The Jackrabbits are expected to counter with righty Ty Madison, who took the loss Friday. Madison worked five innings, giving up three hits and three earned runs while striking out five. He has shown flashes but has been inconsistent, allowing multiple earned runs in four of his last six appearances out of the bullpen and as a starter.

Offensively, the Bison were powered Friday by left fielder Colten Becker, who went 2 for 3 with two home runs and four RBIs. South Dakota State’s Nolan Grawe provided a bright spot, going 3 for 5 with an RBI.

Both teams have found wins hard to come by this spring. The Bison’s victory Friday snapped a four-game skid, while the Jackrabbits have lost seven of their last eight.

According to Interstat, the Bison are projected as slight favorites. The site’s game simulator predicts a 2-1 North Dakota State victory, and its ELO rating system gives the Bison a 56.6% probability to win.

Following the doubleheader, North Dakota State returns home to host Oral Roberts for a three-game series starting March 27. South Dakota State hits the road for a midweek game at Creighton on March 25 before a three-game set at Northern Colorado beginning March 27.

First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.