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SDSU Baseball: 2013 Echoes in 2026 NCAA Run
29 May
Summary
- SDSU baseball returns to NCAA tournament after 13 years.
- 2013 team overcame adversity with dominant pitching staff.
- Current team's unexpected conference tournament victory.
Thirteen years after their first Division I NCAA tournament appearance, the South Dakota State baseball team is returning to the national stage. This second berth was clinched with a surprising Summit League championship victory, an unexpected achievement for the 4-seed Jackrabbits. This mirrors the journey of the 2013 team, which also fought through the conference tournament's loser's bracket to earn their NCAA bid.
The 2013 Jackrabbits, less than a decade removed from Division II, achieved a 36-23 record, fueled by a standout pitching staff with a 3.37 ERA. Key pitchers like Layne Somsen, Stephen Bougher, and Adam Bray, along with closer JD Moore, formed a formidable unit. Despite facing adversity, including limited home games and challenging facilities, the team developed strong chemistry.
This year's team entered the conference tournament with lower expectations, holding a losing record in league play. However, they won their first two games to advance directly to the championship. Their improbable run has evoked nostalgia among the 2013 players, who cherish the memories of their own historic season and express pride in the current team's accomplishment.
