MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- North Central University (NCU) baseball hosted the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) Cougars on Saturday afternoon in a conference doubleheader. In thrilling fashion, the Rams managed to secure their first UMAC win of the season 6 to 5 on a two-RBI walk-off single down the left field line in the bottom of the ninth from Chris Harding (Carol Stream, IL, West Chicago High School) that scored Daniel Montana (Tucson, AZ, Cienega High School) and Rene Brockman (Tucson, AZ, Desert View High School). Game two the Cougars jumped out to a hot start and kept it the entire way to come out on top 13 to 11.

Game One Recap

Tyler Bloom (Montello, WI, Montello High School) was on the mound again for the Rams, and came out throwing back-to-back zeros at the Courgar offense in the first two innings. To jumpstart the offense as well, Bloom homered in the bottom of the first to put the Rams up 2 to zero. Following Bloom was Montana, who cleared a shot over the fence as well to capitalize on the momentum and give the Rams a 3 to nothing lead. It was not until the top of the fifth inning when UMM managed to get a run across the plate. Down the stretch the Cougars started to find their groove offensively, taking the lead back 5 to 4 in the top of the ninth. Despite the late comeback by Morris, the Rams strung together several timely hits in the bottom of the ninth to put runners in position for Harding. The response by the Rams offense in the late game scenario was instrumental to NCU securing the win and getting the final two runs across on Harding's single down the line.

Game Two Recap

Attempting to continue the momentum heading into game two, the Cougars' bats came alive early on, putting four runs across in the top of the first. Responding well again was North Central, who tied the ballgame up in the bottom half of the inning by a Brockman RBI double in the gap and Kristian Garcia (Las Vegas, NV, Palo Verde High School) two-RBI base hit. In what would turn into a shootout from both teams, the Rams found themselves down 12 to 6 in the eighth inning. Despite the deficit, the blue and gold came through with a monstrous eighth and ninth inning of their own. The Rams surged and put up five runs on back-to-back home runs by Bloom and Harding (Carol Stream, IL, West Chicago High School) in the bottom of the ninth, cutting UMM's lead to two. With the bases loaded and two outs, the Cougars managed to get out of the inning and close the game out in their favor 13 to 11.

Key Performers

• Rene Brockman went a combined 3-for-6 from the plate on the day with a home run, three RBIs, and a walk.

• Highlighted by the walk-off hit to secure game one, Chris Harding also recorded his first career home run in a Rams uniform along with 2 RBIs.
• Tyler Bloom started and ended his day with home runs, finishing 3-for-6 and four RBIs.

Looking Ahead

NCU baseball will now head into the bulk of their conference play with a UMAC win under their belt and a 2-6 overall record (1-2 UMAC). Next Tuesday the Rams will play host to the Bethany Lutheran College Vikings, with first pitch slated for 1:30 p.m. To view our COVID-19 policy on fan attendance for the upcoming game, please click here. Fans are encouraged to stay posted to official Rams social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) for game information on the upcoming game, such as live video and statistics.