Late offense moves Bellevue past Simpson

DICKINSON, N.D. -- After rallying from a two-run deficit an inning prior, Jordan Brandenburg hit a pinch-hit, go-ahead two-run home run in the sixth as the #17 Bellevue University baseball team defeated Simpson University 8-3 in a second round North Star Athletic Association Tournament game on Friday afternoon.

The Bruins improve to 38-13 and advance to the winner's bracket final with the victory. They will meet the winner of Dickinson State-Mayville State tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. local time (3:30 p.m. central).

The loss drops Simpson to 21-27 and moves the Red Hawks to the loser's bracket where they will face La Sierra tomorrow at 8:45 p.m. local time (9:45 p.m. central).

Cayden Lee broke scoreless deadlock with a two-run home run in the top of the fourth as Simpson drew first blood.

Bellevue responded an inning and a half later with Logan Grant doubling home Scott Hansen and scoring himself on Jake Lacey's RBI-single.

Mario Catalan broke the tie with a go-ahead sac fly in the sixth to bring home Dylan Leek for the Red Hawks.

Elijah Tanner led off the sixth with a base hit and after two quick outs, Jordan Brandenburg stepped to the plate and delivered a pinch-hit home run to give the Bruins their first lead of the game, his four of the year.

An inning later, Ayden Makarus doubled home courtesy runner Jaylan Ruffin to chase Simpson hurler Qorey Houston from the game after 6.2 innings. Houston (4-4) finished the game allowing five runs on 10 hits, striking out four and walking one.

Jace Wessels (6-0) worked into the eighth for the Bruins as he earned the win, limiting the Red Hawks to three runs on five hits. He struck out three and walked three.

Teron Williams retired the final four Simpson batters of the game to lock down his fourth save of the season.

Bellevue tacked on three insurance runs in the eighth with an RBI single from CJ Townsend and a two-run homer by Scott Hansen. Hansen's home run was his sixth of the season.