Minneapolis, MN -- Tonight, the North Central University (NCU) baseball team competed in a doubleheader against the Hamline University (HU) Pipers, hosted at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The last time the Rams faced the Pipers in the 2024 season, North Central fell to Hamline by a score of 11-1. Tonight, the Rams put forth a resilient effort but ultimately fell short in both games, dropping game one by a score of 12-1 and game two by a final tally of 9-6.

Game 1: NCU 1, HU 12

The Rams found themselves in an early hole after Hamline plated four runs in the opening inning. North Central responded in the bottom of the second when Jonah Taylor tripled to right field, driving in Caleb Alfaro for NCU's lone run of the game. However, the Rams struggled to generate further offense against Hamline's pitching staff. The Pipers added to their lead with two runs in the third and another in the fourth, capitalizing on strong hitting and defensive miscues by NCU. The Rams had scoring opportunities in the fifth inning, with bases loaded following a single by Jacobi Woodfin and a pair of walks, but a double-play ended the threat. A five-run seventh inning sealed the win for Hamline, as North Central was unable to mount a late-game rally. Jordan Trevino and Dawson Barson contributed doubles for the Rams, while Taylor's triple provided a bright spot in the offensive effort. On the mound, Tim Yohan Dixon took the loss, allowing four earned runs in one inning of work, while Joseph Sperando and Cardiff Smith combined to pitch the remaining six innings.

Game 2: NCU 6, HU 9

North Central came out strong in game two, scoring in the top of the first after Jacobi Woodfin led off with a single, stole second, and was driven in by Caleb Alfaro. However, Hamline responded with a four-run inning to take an early 4-1 lead. The Rams showed resilience in the third, scoring two unearned runs after a fielding error and a timely hit by Alfaro, cutting the deficit to 4-3. However, Hamline extended their lead with a run in the bottom of the third and three more in the sixth. Despite trailing 9-4 entering the seventh, North Central did not go down quietly. Brett Letness sparked a rally with a double that scored Dawson Barson. Moments later, a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded brought in another run. With the tying run at the plate, Hamline's bullpen shut the door, securing the 9-6 final. Top performers for NCU included Jacobi Woodfin, who recorded multiple hits and a stolen base, along with Letness, who contributed a key double and RBI. Michael Newsome took the loss on the mound, but the Rams showed continued improvement at the plate and on the bases.

Top Performers:

• Jacobi Woodfin (Jr., RF): combined 4-7, 3 R, SB
• Jonah Taylor (Jr., DH/CF): combined 2-5, RBI, R, 3B, 2 BB
• Brett Letness (Jr., 1B): combined 2-6, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, BB
• Caleb Alfaro (So., LF): combined 2-7, 2 RBI, R, SB

Looking Ahead:

The Rams will take on another doubleheader against the Concordia College-Moorhead Cobbers on Friday, March 14th. The games will be held at Reynolds Field (Northwestern St. Paul) starting at 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM.

All fans are encouraged to tune into the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) pages for updates on baseball and all things NCU Athletics.