COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Strong at bats and good starting pitching led Wake Forest over Minnesota yesterday (Friday) 5-3 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament's College Station Regional.

Wake Forest had the long ball going as Joey Rodriguez hit a two-run home run in the third, and Johnny Aiello and Kevin Conway picked up solo homers in the sixth.

Starting pitcher Parker Dunshee allowed two runs, including 11 strikeouts, over 7 2/3 innings against the Gophers.

Minnesota tried to rally last as designated hitter Matt Fiedler hit a two-run shot in the eighth and Riley Smith added a solo homer in the ninth, but couldn't close it out.

No. 3 seed Wake Forest (35-25) will face Texas A&M in the winners' bracket on Saturday. Second-seeded Minnesota (34-21) will play Binghamton.

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