By Nathan Daggatt | @KVSCSports

#5 St. Cloud State (29-6, 17-4 NSIC) got off to quick start against Minnesota Crookston (20-14, 13-7 NSIC) on Friday, but late inning rallies by the Golden Eagles prevented the Huskies from adding to their seven-game winning streak.

SCSU fell 5-3 to UMC in the first game of three. Third baseman Ethan Ibarra brought in 2 runs on his RBI single in the second inning and the Huskies would add another run in the third inning.

Senior pitcher Cal Giese gave the Huskies 5 strong innings while striking out 8 and keeping UMC scoreless. Trouble would emerge in the sixth inning for Giese as he would give up 3 earned runs and allow the Golden Eagles to tie the game.

Shannon Ahern earned the loss in relief, giving up 4 hits, and 2 earned runs. Reed Hjelle hit a home run in the seventh inning to give UMC the lead and the win.

The Huskies and Golden Eagles will finish off the series by playing in a double header on Saturday. The first game will start at 12:00 PM and the second game will follow after. Both of these games can be heard on the KVSC Sports Stream.