NSIC Tournament Preview

The stage is set for the 2025 Northern Sun (NSIC) Baseball Tournament, scheduled for May 7-10 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Co-hosted by Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls, the games will be played at The Birdcage and Ronken Field. This double-elimination tournament features the top eight teams from the NSIC regular season standings, all vying for the conference crown and the automatic bid to the NCAA Central Region Tournament that comes with it. Minnesota State enters as the team to beat, securing the #1 seed after claiming their 12th regular season title. Augustana is the reigning NSIC Tournament Champions.

Fans looking to follow the action can find schedules, brackets, and more information on the official tournament page: https://northernsun.org/tournaments/?id=124&path=baseball. All tournament games will be streamed live on the NSIC Network at nsicnetwork.com, available for purchase at $10 per game or $30 for a full tournament pass.

#1 Seed Minnesota State Mavericks

Nathan Culley (Photo Credit: Kristi Irsfeld)

Minnesota State enters the NSIC Tournament as the number one seed after a dominant regular season, finishing with an impressive 44-5 record and a 36-4 record in conference play. This performance earned them their 12th regular season title. They begin their tournament journey against the eighth seed, UMary. The winner of the tournament secures an automatic bid to the NCAA Central Region Tournament.  

Team Stats

The Mavericks boast one of the most potent offenses and strongest pitching staffs in the NSIC. Offensively, they rank second in the conference in both batting average (.333) and OPS (.996), demonstrating consistent hitting and power. Their patient approach at the plate led them to draw the most walks in the conference (271). On the mound, Minnesota State leads the NSIC with the lowest team ERA (3.19) and the best strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.73). They also rank second in batting average against (.245) and third in total strikeouts (371).

Players to Watch

Hitting:

• Ike Mezzenga: Leads the potent Maverick offense, hitting for a high average at .390 and showcasing significant power with an impressive 1.228 OPS and 17 home runs. He also leads the team with 73 RBIs.  

• Louis Magers: Provides a major power threat with a 1.105 OPS and 16 home runs, driving in 64 runs.  

• Matthew Fleischhacker: Gets on base frequently and hits for a high average with a .399 BA and a 1.025 OPS.  

• Aidan Byrne: A consistent hitter with a .368 batting average and a 1.071 OPS.  

• Zach Stroh: Contributes significantly with a .372 batting average.  

Pitching:

• Nathan Culley: Anchors the pitching staff with an excellent 2.45 ERA over 66 innings pitched, striking out batters at a high rate (31.2 K%) and maintaining a strong 3.82 K/BB ratio.  

• Ean DiPasquale: Has been highly effective out of the bullpen or in spot starts, posting a stingy 1.80 ERA and a 3.38 K/BB ratio across 35 innings.  

• Sam George: Boasts a low 2.89 ERA and an outstanding 4.00 K/BB ratio in 43.2 innings pitched.  

• Mack Crowley: Contributes valuable innings with a 3.34 ERA and a solid 2.83 K/BB ratio over 32.1 innings.  

• Mitch Gutknecht: Another reliable arm with a 3.42 ERA and a superb 3.78 K/BB ratio across 47.1 innings.  

• Louis Magers: Effective in his starts with a 2.54 ERA over 39 innings.  

• Hunter Day: Posts a strong 2.70 K/BB ratio over 33 innings pitched.  

Minnesota State enters the NSIC tournament as the clear favorite, driven by a powerful offense featuring standouts like Ike Mezzenga, Louis Magers, Matthew Fleischhacker, and Aidan Byrne, and backed by a deep pitching staff led by Nathan Culley, Ean DiPasquale, and Sam George. Their top rankings in numerous statistical categories offensively and defensively make them a tough matchup for any opponent as they pursue the tournament title and the automatic NCAA regional bid.

#2 Seed Augustana Vikings

Jack Hines (Photo Credit: Kenneth Lenger)

Augustana enters the 2025 NSIC Tournament as the number two seed after finishing the regular season with a strong 30-10 record in conference play and 36-14 overall. The tournament is co-hosted by Augustana and the University of Sioux Falls, taking place at The Birdcage & Ronken Field. Augustana's first game is scheduled against the seventh seed, Minnesota Crookston, as the Vikings will look to repeat as NSIC Tournament Champions to secure an automatic bid into the Central Regional.

Team Stats

Augustana fields an impressive squad, excelling in multiple facets of the game. Their offense leads the NSIC with a .336 batting average and ranks third with a .929 OPS. They are also the most aggressive team on the basepaths, leading the conference with 131 stolen bases. The Vikings' pitching staff is equally formidable, ranking second in the NSIC with a 4.30 team ERA and leading the league in both strikeouts (433) and lowest batting average against (.238). They also hold the second-best K/BB ratio at 2.18. Defensively, Augustana is solid, ranking second in the conference with a .974 fielding percentage and have thrown out an impressive 36.4% of would-be base stealers (best in conference).

Players to Watch

Hitting:

• Jack Hines: Leads Division II Baseball with an exceptional .453 batting average and a 1.163 OPS, while also being a major threat on the bases with 28 stolen bases.  

• Jason Axelberg: Provides significant power with a 1.129 OPS and 17 home runs, leading the team with 61 RBIs alongside a .351 batting average.  

• Trevor Winterstein: A key offensive contributor hitting .382 with a 1.049 OPS and 27 stolen bases.  

• Carter Heinsch: Hits for a high average with a .356 BA.  

Pitching:

• Kai Taylor: Has been excellent in his appearances, posting a very low 2.06 ERA and a strong 3.44 K/BB ratio over 35 innings.  

• Aidan Torpey: Boasts a 3.20 ERA and a 3.60 K/BB ratio across 25.1 innings pitched.  

• J.D. Hennen: Misses a lot of bats, demonstrated by his high strikeout rate (32.3 K%) over 50 innings.  

• Ethan Cole: Shows good control with a 3.06 K/BB ratio in 54.2 innings.  

• Harrison Blum: Maintains a solid 2.82 K/BB ratio over 46.2 innings.  

As the second seed and co-host, Augustana is well-positioned for a deep run in the NSIC Tournament. Their high-powered offense, led by hitters like Jack Hines, Jason Axelberg, and Trevor Winterstein, combined with a top-tier pitching staff featuring arms such as Kai Taylor and J.D. Hennen, makes them a formidable contender. Their strong performance across batting, pitching, and defense suggests they have the tools necessary to challenge for the tournament title and the accompanying automatic bid to the NCAA Central Region Tournament.

#3 Seed Wayne State Wildcats

Chase Douglas (Photo Credit: Nick Bohn)

Wayne State (NE) enters the 2025 NSIC Tournament as the number three seed, securing that spot via a regular-season tiebreaker over Sioux Falls. They compiled a 25-15 record in conference action and finished 29-20 overall. The Wildcats will begin their tournament play at Ronken Field against the sixth seed, Minnesota Duluth. 

Team Stats

The Wildcats have shown discipline at the plate and aggressiveness on the bases throughout the season. They rank second in the NSIC in both walks drawn (244) and stolen bases (85). While not ranking in the top tier in conference batting average, OPS, ERA, strikeouts, batting average against, K/BB ratio, or fielding percentage, their ability to get on base via walks and create opportunities with speed are key parts of their game.  

Players to Watch

Hitting:

• Chase Douglas: A significant threat on the base paths, leading the team with 27 stolen bases.  

• Max Heard: Paces the Wildcats' offense as the team leader with 46 RBIs.  

Pitching:

• Josh Kilzer: Has shown good command with a 2.8 K/BB ratio over 35.2 innings pitched.  

• Jackson Shelburne: Another pitcher demonstrating solid control, posting a 3.0 K/BB ratio across 50 innings.  

Securing the third seed, Wayne State brings a specific style of play into the tournament, relying on patience at the plate and speed on the bases, highlighted by players like Chase Douglas. Max Heard provides run production in the middle of the order. On the mound, pitchers like Josh Kilzer and Jackson Shelburne aim to control the strike zone. The Wildcats will look to leverage their strengths in their opening-round matchup against Minnesota Duluth as they compete for the NSIC tournament title.

#4 Seed Sioux Falls Cougars

Mitch Iliff (Photo Credit: Sioux Falls Athletics)

The University of Sioux Falls (USF) enters the 2025 NSIC Tournament as the number four seed after finishing the conference schedule with a 25-15 record (29-26 overall). They narrowly missed the third seed due to a tiebreaker with Wayne State. As co-hosts of the tournament, the Cougars will play their opening game against the fifth seed, St. Cloud State, at Ronken Field.  

Team Stats

The Cougars' pitching staff ranks fourth in the NSIC in total strikeouts with 365. Defensively, Sioux Falls has been solid, ranking third in the conference with a .973 fielding percentage.

Players to Watch

Hitting:

• Mitch Iliff: A key hitter posting a .378 batting average, a 1.086 OPS, and 10 home runs.  

• Jaxon Haase: Provides significant power with a 1.072 OPS and 13 home runs.  

• Isaac Bonner: Leads the team in driving in runs with 48 RBIs.  

Pitching:

• Jake Ammann: Demonstrates good control on the mound with a 2.72 K/BB ratio over 58 innings pitched.

Playing on their home field, the fourth-seeded Sioux Falls Cougars look to make a run in the NSIC tournament. Their offense features impact players like Mitch Iliff, Jaxon Haase, and Isaac Bonner. While their overall team pitching numbers aren't among the league leaders, Jake Ammann provides stability, and their strong defense is an asset. They face a tough opening matchup against St. Cloud State as they vie for the tournament title and the automatic NCAA regional bid.

#5 Seed St. Cloud State Huskies

Liam Moreno (Photo Credit: Kayden Kircher)

St. Cloud State enters the NSIC Tournament as the fifth seed, having finished the regular season with a 22-18 record in conference play and 26-24 overall. They are set to face the fourth-seeded co-host Sioux Falls in their opening game at Ronken Field.  

Team Stats

The Huskies possess a solid offense, ranking fifth in the NSIC with a team batting average of .302. Their pitching staff is effective at missing bats, ranking second in the conference with 384 strikeouts. Defensively, St. Cloud State stands out, leading the entire NSIC with a .977 fielding percentage.  

Players to Watch

Hitting:

• Ethan Navratil: Leads the offense with a .359 batting average, a 1.043 OPS, 12 home runs, and a team-high 58 RBIs.  

• Liam Moreno: Hits for a high average at .363 with a strong 1.039 OPS.  

• Wilmis Castro: Provides power in the lineup with 10 home runs.  

Pitching:

• Frankie Volkers: A standout pitcher boasting a 3.35 ERA, a high strikeout rate (34.5 K%), and an excellent 3.93 K/BB ratio over 40.1 innings.  

• Bryce Brassfield: Demonstrates good control with a 2.57 K/BB ratio across 58.1 innings pitched.  

As the fifth seed, St. Cloud State brings a balanced team to the tournament. Their offense, led by Ethan Navratil and Liam Moreno, is capable of putting runs on the board, while their pitching staff, anchored by Frankie Volkers, can keep games close. The Huskies' top-ranked defense is a significant strength. Facing co-host Sioux Falls in the first round presents a challenge, but St. Cloud State has the pieces to compete for the NSIC tournament championship.

#6 Seed Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs

Henry Wilkinson (Photo Credit: Minnesota Duluth Athletics)

Minnesota Duluth enters the 2025 NSIC Tournament as the sixth seed, having compiled a 21-19 record in conference play and a 25-25 record overall. They will face the third seed, Wayne State, in their opening-round game at Ronken Field.  

Team Stats

The Bulldogs' offense ranks fourth in the NSIC with a team batting average of .305.  

Players to Watch

Hitting:

• Troy Lynch: Leads the team with a .390 batting average, a 1.139 OPS, and 47 RBIs. 

• Joey Flom: Hits for a high average with a .373 BA.  

• Sam Kliber: Another consistent hitter with a .368 batting average.  

• Kade Peloquin: Posts a strong OPS of 1.019.  

• Nathan Rosenberg: Contributes with a 1.004 OPS. 

Pitching:

• Henry Wilkinson has been a workhorse, logging 65 innings with a 3.88 ERA.  

The sixth-seeded Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs feature several potent hitters, including Troy Lynch, Joey Flom, and Sam Kliber. Their offense ranks among the top five in the conference in batting average. While their pitching staff lacks players meeting the specific performance thresholds, Henry Wilkinson provides experience over significant innings. They face a tough challenge against Wayne State in the first round but have the offensive firepower to compete.

#7 Seed Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles

Josh Dykhoff (Photo Credit: UMC Athletics)

Minnesota Crookston secured the seventh seed in the 2025 NSIC Tournament with a 20-20 conference record (23-26 overall). They earned this seed via a tiebreaker over UMary, based on their better record against second-place Augustana during the regular season. The Golden Eagles will face the second seed, Augustana, in their opening-round game at The Birdcage.  

Team Stats

The Golden Eagles have shown patience at the plate, ranking third in the NSIC with 256 walks drawn.  

Players to Watch

Hitting:

• Josh Dykhoff: A true two-way threat, he leads the offense with a 1.080 OPS, 13 home runs, and 55 RBIs.  

• Dylan Debilzen: Hits for a high average with a .364 BA.  

Pitching:

• Josh Dykhoff: Also anchors the pitching staff, posting a stellar 3.27 ERA and an outstanding 13.17 K/BB ratio over 77 innings pitched.  

• Isaac Roers: Provides quality innings, maintaining a strong 3.42 K/BB ratio across 44 innings.  

• Nate Grafsgaard: The team's primary closer, leading the squad with 9 saves.  

Minnesota Crookston enters the tournament as the seventh seed, led by the remarkable two-way performance of Josh Dykhoff, who excels both at the plate and on the mound. Dylan Debilzen adds consistency to the lineup, while Isaac Roers and Nate Grafsgaard are key arms on the pitching staff. They face a challenging opening matchup against the second-seeded Augustana Vikings but possess standout talent capable of making noise in the tournament.

#8 Seed UMary Marauders

Bryce Leafgren (Photo Credit: Brian Larson)

The University of Mary (UMary) enters the 2025 NSIC Tournament as the eighth seed. They finished the regular season with a .500 record in conference play at 20-20, and an overall record of 24-25. UMary lost the tiebreaker for the seventh seed to Minnesota Crookston based on their head-to-head record against second-place Augustana. As the eighth seed, the Marauders draw the toughest opening-round matchup against the top-seeded Minnesota State Mavericks.

Players to Watch

Hitting:

• Isaac Pregors: A major offensive force, hitting .401 with a remarkable 1.322 OPS. He leads the team with 18 home runs and 64 RBIs.  

• Bryce Leafgren: Provides significant power with a 1.106 OPS and 10 home runs.  

Pitching:

• Aiden Johnson: Leads the qualifying pitchers with a solid 2.93 K/BB ratio over 59.1 innings pitched.  

UMary comes into the tournament as the final seed and faces the daunting task of playing the regular-season champion, Minnesota State, in the first round. The Marauders rely heavily on the potent bats of Isaac Pregors and Bryce Leafgren to power their offense. While the pitching staff lacks players meeting the specific criteria thresholds, Aiden Johnson provides innings with good control. UMary will need outstanding performances from their key players to pull off an upset and advance in the tournament.