COON RAPIDS, Minn. – Warm weather welcomed the 2017 North Central University baseball home opener as the Rams went up against Upper Midwest Athletic Conference opponent, Crown College, for a Saturday afternoon doubleheader. The pleasant spring conditions did not give a boost as NCU came up short 8-6 and 6-1 despite a late push for a comeback in Game 1.

Crown started quickly by securing four hits and four runs through two innings. North Central got on the board in the third, when Sophomore Robert Donohoe came home from second base after an error from the third baseman. NCU scored once again in the sixth and seventh frames to pull within three points, 6-3.

Things got interesting in the bottom of the ninth with the Rams down 8-3, as the Storm walked the first five batters, allowing two runs to score. Unfortunately, with the bases loaded, the next two at-bats ended with strikeouts. Even though a sixth walk tallied another point, the game concluded with a fly out to left field. Altogether, the Blue and Gold collected six hits, were walked 12 times, but left 13 runners on base, seven of which were in scoring position.

North Central was unable to gain momentum in Game 2 as Crown pitchers allowed only one run on three hits. NCU was unable to contain the Storms hitters, and they were able to gain 10 hits and scored six runs. Junior Brandon Scott five game hitting streak came to an end as he was unable to record a hit in the second contest.

The Rams (1-12, 0-2) will be back in action again this coming Tuesday, April 11, as conference opponent St. Scholastica (13-6, 2-0) comes to town for a weekday doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 1:30 PM at Wintercrest Park in Coon Rapids, Minn.