Creighton Tops North Dakota State 11-10 to Reach Fayetteville Regional Championship
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — In a thrilling finish on Sunday, Kyle Hess delivered a walk-off single, earning his fourth RBI of the game and leading Creighton to an 11-10 victory over North Dakota State. This win propels the Bluejays into the championship round of the Fayetteville Regional.
Creighton will now face regional host Arkansas later in the day. To advance to the super regionals next weekend, the Bluejays must secure victories on Sunday night and again on Monday. In contrast, Arkansas needs only one win to progress.
The game unfolded dramatically, with Creighton initially taking control in the third inning. Hess’s pivotal three-run home run, coupled with Dakota Duffalo’s two-run single, helped Creighton establish an 8-3 lead. The Bluejays added more in the fourth with solo home runs from Nolan Sailors and Teddy Deters, but the scoring came to a halt until the final inning.
North Dakota State made a spirited comeback after trailing 10-3. Dante Smith and Davis Hamilton spearheaded the rally, with Hamilton’s three-run homer in the sixth highlighting their resurgence. In the eighth, Smith’s double drove in two runs, followed by his single that tied the game, showcasing the team’s resilience.
Garrett Langrell (7-1) sealed the victory for Creighton by striking out the side in the ninth, while Danny Lachenmayer (2-4) took the loss after conceding the game-winning hit to Hess.
With the stakes high, the upcoming clash between Creighton and Arkansas promises to be another exhilarating chapter in the postseason narrative.
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