(Crookston, Minn.)- St. Cloud State University broke open a scoreless game with three runs in the third inning and five more in the fourth as the Huskies defeated the University of Minnesota, Crookston 9-1 in a non-conference game between Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) opponents today at Lenz Field in Jacksonville, Ill.

On a muggy, 65 degree day, the Huskies, who finished as the 2011 Midwest Regional Runner-Up, were led by were led by Jordan Smith who was 2-5 with three runs batted in (RBI) and two runs scored. Joey Benke was 2-3 with one RBI and three runs scored. Steve Rindlaub added two hits and two RBI. Kyle Fischer threw five scoreless innings allowing no runs on one hit to pick up his second victory of the season.

U of M, Crookston's lone hit came on a single by Charlie Pelzer (Fr, C/OF, Little Canada, Minn.). The Golden Eagles threw five pitchers with starter Ben Lazzari (Jr, RHP/OF, Shakopee, Minn.) throwing 2.2 innings and giving up one unearned run on two hits. J.M. Habeck (Jr, LHP/OF, Winnipeg, Man.) took the loss. Taylor Kollman (Fr, RHP/OF, Glenwood, Minn.) was solid in relief throwing three innings allowing one run on one hit.

St. Cloud State University improves to 3-1 overall. The Golden Eagles fall to 0-1 overall. The two teams return to action tomorrow at 10 a.m. with a single nine-inning game.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

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