Tyler Mitzel pitched seven strong innings and Michael Svozil had four RBI as Augustana defeated Southern New Hampshire 8-2 on Thursday to advance to the title game of the NCAA Division II College World Series in Cary, N.C.

The Vikings (51-9) of Sioux Falls, S.D., will play the winner of Friday's game between Florida Southern or Columbus State in the finals at 2 p.m. Saturday. And even if Augustana loses that game, its opponent would have to beat the Vikings a second time since they are 3-0 in the double-elimination tournament.

Mitzel allowed one run on seven hits to improve to 12-0. Svozil's three-run double in the second made it 4-1.

U schedule updates

The starting times for five Gophers home games in the 2018 season were announced by the Big Ten.

Minnesota will open its season Thursday, Aug. 30, against New Mexico State at 6 p.m. on BTN. On Sept. 8, the Gophers will play Fresno State at 6:30 p.m. on FS1. The nonconference schedule will end with a 2:30 p.m. game on Sept. 15 against Miami (Ohio) on BTN.

The Oct. 6 homecoming game against Iowa will be at 2:30 p.m. on BTN. On Friday, Oct. 26, the Gophers will host Indiana at 7 p.m. on FS1.

Etc.

• The St. Paul Saints lost to the Texas AirHogs 7-6 in 11 innings in Grand Prairie, Texas. JJ Gould of the Saints hit a solo homer to tie the score 6-6 in the ninth inning. The AirHogs won on a two-out, infield single in the 11th.

• Hunter Johnson of Wheaton had the highest overall trap shooting average in the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League's spring league.

Max Bunning of Wayzata was first in skeet. Shelby Fritz of Elk River had the top average among girls in trap shooting and skeet.