Winter Haven, FL -- The North Central University (NCU) baseball team continued its Florida slate Tuesday with a doubleheader matchup against the Blackburn College (BC) Beavers at Chain O' Lakes Park. The Rams showed resilience throughout the day, combining for 16 hits across the two contests while receiving key offensive performances from several players in the lineup.

Game 1: North Central 6, Blackburn 8

The opening game of the doubleheader began with early pressure against the Rams, as the Beavers plated two runs in the first inning before North Central settled in defensively. North Central threatened in the first after senior infielder Juan Rodriguez singled to left and advanced into scoring position, but the rally was halted before the Rams could push across a run. NCU responded in the third inning to even the score. Freshman infielder Anthony Barajas reached base with a bunt single to spark the offense before Rodriguez worked a walk to place two runners aboard. Sophomore infielder Abiram Terron De Jesus delivered the breakthrough moment, driving a two-run double to center field to score both Barajas and Rodriguez and tie the game at 2-2. A large fourth inning created separation for Blackburn, but the Rams continued to battle and kept themselves within striking distance. North Central mounted its biggest rally in the sixth inning. Freshman outfielder Keo Coleman started the inning by drawing a walk before sophomore outfielder John Patty ripped a double down the right field line to put two runners in scoring position. Senior infielder Dawson Barson lifted a sacrifice fly to bring Coleman home, cutting the deficit to five. Moments later, Rodriguez delivered the biggest swing of the game for the Rams. The senior designated hitter launched a three-run home run to right field, scoring Barajas and Patty to bring North Central within two runs at 8-6. The Rams continued to threaten in the final inning as freshman utility player Darrion Wesley reached base and Patty worked a walk, but the comeback attempt was halted before the tying run could reach the plate. North Central totaled eight hits and seven walks in the contest while Rodriguez powered the offense with a three-run homer and two hits.


Game 2: North Central 1, Blackburn 4

The second game of the doubleheader turned into a tight pitching duel early, with both teams trading scoreless frames before the Rams broke through in the third inning.
After a quiet start offensively, Rodriguez once again sparked the lineup. The senior infielder launched a solo home run to right field in the third inning, tying the game at 1-1 and giving North Central its first run of the contest. North Central continued to apply pressure throughout the middle innings. Freshman infielder Orlando Guzman recorded a pair of hits while freshman catcher Isaiah Collazo and Patty each added singles as the Rams consistently put runners aboard. The Rams finished the game with eight hits and multiple multi-hit opportunities, but struggled to convert with runners in scoring position. On the mound, freshman right-handed pitcher Ivan Demel delivered a solid outing for North Central. Demel worked five innings, allowing four runs while striking out three and keeping the Rams within reach. Senior left-handed pitcher Tim Yohan Dixon followed with a scoreless inning in relief, striking out one and limiting further damage. Despite the steady pitching effort and consistent contact at the plate, North Central could not find the key hit late as the final three innings passed without another run.

Top Performers: 

• Juan Rodriguez (Sr., DH/1B): Combined: 3-6, 4 RBI, 3 R, 2 HR, BB
• Abiram Terron De Jesus (So., 3B/DH): Game 1: 1-3, 2 RBI, 2B
• John Patty (So., LF): Combined: 3-5, R, 2B, 2 BB, SB
• Ivan Demel (Fr., RHP): Game 2: 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 3 SO

Looking Ahead: 

Up next, North Central will continue Florida baseball with a doubleheader versus Alfred University (NY) on Wednesday, March 11th. Game times for both games are scheduled for 1:30 PM CT and 4:00 PM CT.

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