PLYMOUTH, Minn. – North Central University (NCU) was in action for day two of the six game series with Minnesota Morris. After a tough couple of games for Ram's batters on Thursday, NCU broke out to an early 5-1 lead in game one. The Cougars quickly answered back and scored 14 unanswered runs to win game one by a score of 15-5. NCU corralled the Cougar's hitters for just five runs in game two but failed to find an answer for Morris's pitching as they dropped a tight game two, 5-0. Cougars found an offensive resurgence for the final game of the day and the series as they pulled away for an 11-0 win. 
 

GAME ONE RECAP
Rams were the first to strike in the first game as they jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning. The Cougars got one back in the second, but two more NCU runs pushed their lead to four runs at 5-1. The Rams continued to lead deep into the ball game, until the Cougars made some noise offensively in the fifth inning. The Cougars scored 7 runs in the 5th inning, highlighted by a three run homerun to cap the scoring before the end of the frame. Morris scored 7 more in the final two innings behind two more home runs, ending the game with 14 unanswered runs to take game one by a score of 15-5. Emma Bushey (L, 0-7) suffered the loss for the Rams as she gave up 12 earned runs in 7.0 innings pitched while also striking out eight Cougar hitters.

GAME TWO RECAP
Game two was a pitcher's duel early on as neither ball club found a way to make noise on the scoreboard in the first two innings. The Cougars broke the offensive silence with two runs in inning number three to take a 2-0. Morris added three more in the following inning, two push their lead to 5-0, but leaving the Rams an opportunity late in the game. NCU failed to take advantage, however, as they only mustered up three total team hits, falling in game two by a score of 5-0. Ram's starter, Ali Cornelius (0-6) , suffers the loss as she gave up 5 earned runs on 13 hits in 6.0 innings pitched. 

GAME THREE RECAP
NCU took the field first for the final contest as they were the home team in the last matchup of the six game series. After being held scoreless by the Rams in the first inning, the Cougars rattled off at least one run in each of the final four innings, with at least three runs in three of those innings. Morris pushed their lead to 11-0 in the top half of the fifth inning and the Rams were unable to manufacture the offense to extend the game in the bottom half as they fell 11-0. Ali Cornelius (L, 0-7) started the final matchup for the Rams making it 3.1 innings pitched as she suffers the loss. 

Next Up
North Central University will have about a week off from games as they prepare to host Northland College next Saturday, March 23rd, if the weather cooperates. First pitch of game one is set for 1:00 p.m.

MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Justin Brown at 612-343-3539 or email Jdbrown@northcentral.edu.