DICKINSON — A prolonged wait for baseball’s return led to a dramatic contest between the Souris Valley Sabre Dogs (0-1) and the Badlands Big Sticks (1-0). Runs came at a premium during the teams’ season opener, but the Big Sticks earned the 3-2 win after a bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning.

Cadyn Schwabe worked the walk after a full count. Conner VanCleave came home as the go-ahead run.

In the top of the third inning, Sabre Dogs infielder Mason Dinesen put the first run on the board with an infield knock. The Big Sticks scored two runs in the fourth after a wild pitch and an RBI single from Cody Maier.

Badlands held the 2-1 lead until the top of the seventh frame. Ivan Prejean brought Tim Conway home on an RBI knock.

VanCleave’s double ignited the Big Sticks’ rally in the bottom of the ninth. Aaron Kern issued the game-winning walk to Schwabe.

Badlands played shorthanded, as three Big Sticks players previously tested positive for COVID-19. Several others did not play for precautionary reasons.

The teams will reconvene at 7:35 p.m. this evening.

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