Winona, MN - Northern State lost two close games against Winona State on the NSIC's opening weekend. Winona State beat the Wolves 2-1 and 4-2.

Northern State's Justin Downes gave up two runs on five hits in six innings of work in the Wolves' 1-2 loss to Winona in game one of a doubleheader. Downes struck out six and walk only two of the 25 batters he faced on the day. He dropped to 0-2 on the season with an ERA of 2.95. In both Downes losses the Wolves could only produce one run, and lost each game by two runs or less.

The Wolves had six hits in the game, two by Joel Backous, who also had their lone RBI in the first game. Backous is hitting .367 on the season after the two games.

Game two saw the Wolves holding a 1-0 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning. Matt Paulson gave up two of his six hits in the bottom of the sixth, plus a pair of walks and add on an error and the Wolves found themselves down 4-1 after inning.

The Wolves threatened in the top of the seventh inning as they had the bases loaded with no outs, but were able to only plate one run as they fell 4-2 to the Warriors. The Wolves dropped to 2-10 overall and 0-2 in the NSIC.

The same two teams are scheduled to meet again tomorrow at noon in Winona, MN.