MINNEAPOLIS – A sunny Saturday afternoon saw North Central University (0-16, 0-2 UMAC) host their first home games of the 2017 season against Crown College Storm (4-16, 2-0 UMAC). In the doubleheader affair, the Rams dropped both games 19-3 and 5-1, respectfully in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference matchup. The Rams start both games strong but couldn't overcome a series or errors and Storm hitting to regain the lead for their first win. Amanda Roth (Appleton, Wis./Neenah) pitched all 12 innings for the Rams (0-12).

How It Happened

Game 1: The Rams were able to jump out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning when Amanda Roth sent the ball screaming over the left center field for her second home run of the year bringing Kylee Bommersbach (Sartell, Minn./Sartell) home with her. However, Crown would respond in the second and third inning putting seven runs up on the Rams before a deep fourth inning which saw the Storm score eight runs off five errors. The Rams would respond in the bottom of the fifth from an Alex Rodriguez (Minneapolis, Minn/Homeschooled) single down the right field line sending Megan Wegner (Bellevue, Neb./Cornerstone Christian) home. A ground out to the shortstop would end the inning and game early after five innings, 19-3 in favor of the Storm.  

Game 2: In the second game the Rams defense stepped up holding Crown scoreless in four innings and only giving up one run in the fourth. Both teams got on the score board in the first inning, North Central scored after a pair of singles and an error by the second baseman to give Abbey Erzberger (Milwaukee, Wis./Heritage Christian) a spot at first. A scoreless second inning from both teams set up Crown for another two runs. Despite North Central's aggressive batting and tough play at the plate the lead and first win alluded the Rams once again. Rodriguez recorded a hit in both games and Bommersbach had two runs for the Rams on the day.

Up Next: The Rams will host a doubleheader against St. Scholastica on Wednesday April 5 at 3:30 and 5:45 p.m. All home games are held in East Phillips Park just a mile from campus. Check the website, Twitter: @NCURams, Facebook: NCU Rams Athletics, and Instagram: @NCURams for rainouts, cancellations, and/or delays.