ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Looking for different results, the North Central University (NCU) baseball team had a rematch with the University of Northwestern (UNW). The number one Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Eagles ended with a strong sixth inning to best the Rams in the 23-5 finish.

Game Recap

The Rams tested the defense of the Eagles in the opening inning but nothing resulted in a score. UNW quickly went back to the field after NCU grabbed three quick outs. The second inning was all Eagles as the UNW batters scored eight runs. The Rams recorded their first run in the top of the third when Kyle Huerth (Moorpark, CA, Moorpark High School) stole home. Following this steal, Matthew Oakley (Concord, NC, International Christian School of Budapest) singled to left field and because Nate Boyer (Tempe, AZ, Seton Catholic High School) had also stolen a base in the previous play, he managed to cross home plate as well. The Eagles answered with two runs of their own in the bottom of the third. However, NCU scored the only runs in the fourth and fifth innings. In the fourth, Julian Encinas (Tucson, AZ, Amphitheater High school) flied out to center field but Kristian Garcia (Las Vegas, LV, Palo Verde High School) scored off the play. Then Jack Parker (Bordentown, NJ, Bordentown Regional High School) trotted across the home plate after Oakley was walked. In the fifth inning, Nicolas Sheley (Pendleton, Oregon, Pendleton High School) scored an unearned run, moving the score to 9-5 in favor of UNW. The 14 runs scored by the Eagles in the sixth inning is what really ended the game, giving almost to no chance for the Rams to come back. 

In only their sixth game of the season, NCU moves to a 2-6 overall record and a 0-2 conference record.

Key Performers

• Freshman shortstop Matthew Oakley recorded two RBI's.
• Julian Encinas snagged four outs and one assists as well as one RBI.
• Six pitchers took the mound for the Rams today. Of those six, Devin O'Dell (Frederic, MI, Gaylord St. Marys School) and Tanner Oka (Mililani, HI, Hanalani School) threw two strikeouts each.

Looking Ahead

Despite the holiday weekend, the Rams will still be playing ball with a three-game stint with Martin Luther College. The UMAC contests will begin Friday, Apr. 15 at 3 p.m. followed by two games Saturday at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. All fans are encouraged to follow official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on the baseball team and much more information.