MORRIS, Minn. -- North Central University (NCU) baseball took the diamond on Tuesday afternoon in a doubleheader nonconference affair with the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) Cougars. The first game saw the Rams hold the lead throughout the majority of the game, but the Cougars put together a late surge in the bottom of the 7th to come away with game one by a score of three to four. After a battle in the first game, Morris jumped out to an early lead in the second game that fueled their way to also coming away with the second game 12 to zero.

Game One Recap

North Central's offense came alive almost immediately in the top of the first inning. After finding their way on the base paths via a hit by pitch and walk, Primeau Hill (Andover, MN, Legacy Christian Academy) and Chris Harding (Carol Stream, IL, West Chicago High School) were knocked in on a two-RBI single out to center field by Tyler Bloom (Montello, WI, Montello High School). This gave the Rams a two-run lead early on in the contest. In addition to sparking the offense, Tyler Bloom was given the starting nod on the bump, where he managed to hold Morris scoreless through the first four innings of action. During this time, the Rams tacked on another run in the top of the third by a sacrifice fly by Bloom, again scoring Harding from third. After holding a three-run lead heading in the fourth inning, the Cougars finally found their groove and managed to get two runs across. In the final two innings of the contest, the Rams' offense were unable to manufacture any more runs, allowing the Cougars to take advantage in the final two innings. UMM tallied the tying run in the sixth inning and eventually the fourth and winning run in the bottom of the seventh, giving them the lead in what was a battle all the way through.

Game Two Recap

Game two started off with the Cougars taking command of a strong lead early on, putting up eight runs in the bottom of the first inning. In the bottom of the second inning, Jack Parker (Bordentown, NJ, Bordentown Regional High School) gave the Rams their first runner of the game by singling down the left field line. After a great offensive showing in the first game, the Cougars' pitching managed to hold the Rams scoreless through the five innings played. This allowed Morris built their lead and come away with a 12 to zero victory.

Key Performers

• Jack Parker chipped in three singles through the double header to finish three-for-five and a walk.
• Freshman pitcher Tyler Bloom pitched 4.2 innings and only gave up one hit in the process.

Looking Ahead

NCU baseball now falls to an overall record of 1-3 on the 2021 season and will look to bounce-back in their next matchup this coming Saturday. With another nonconference doubleheader on the schedule, the Rams will travel to Superior, Wisconsin and clash with the University of Wisconsin-Superior Yellowjackets. First pitch at Ted Whereatt Field is set for 1:30p.m. To view Wisconsin-Superior's 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.