Riverland Community College used a clutch swing and strong pitching to defeat North Dakota State College of Science 3-0 on May 2.

In a tightly contested game, Riverland (33-12) broke through in the fifth inning. After putting runners on base, Freshman 1B Carson Gehrke (Oregon, WI) delivered the decisive blow with a three-run home run, giving the Devils a 3-0 lead.

That would be all the offense Riverland needed behind another strong pitching performance. Sophomore RHP Riley Jax (Adams, MN) set the tone on the mound, tossing 6.1 scoreless innings while allowing just four hits and striking out four. The right-hander worked efficiently and kept NDSCS from generating any sustained offense.

Sophomore RHP Khalil Fernandez (Arecibo, PR) came on in relief to record the final two outs and secure the save (7th), preserving the shutout victory.

Riverland finished with four hits on the day, with Gehrke accounting for all three RBIs. Sophomore 3B Raul Martinez (Santa Isabel, PR) and freshman LF Hideki Ohira each added a hit, while the Devils also drew four walks to help create scoring opportunities.

North Dakota State College of Science was limited to four hits and was unable to capitalize on its chances against the Riverland pitching staff.

Riverland's timely power and shutdown pitching proved to be the difference as the Devils continued their strong stretch of play.