Winter Haven, FL -- The North Central University (NCU) baseball team continued sunny state baseball Wednesday afternoon with a doubleheader matchup against the Alfred University (AU) Saxons. The Rams delivered one of their most explosive offensive days of the season, combining for 33 runs and 25 hits across the two contests while receiving strong pitching performances to secure a doubleheader sweep. NCU defeated Alfred 21-3 in game one and 12-10 in game two. 

Game 1: North Central 21, Alfred 3

The Rams wasted little time generating offense in the opener as freshman infielder Anthony Barajas ignited the lineup early. After falling behind in the second inning, North Central responded emphatically in the third with one of its biggest innings of the season. Barajas sparked the rally with a run-scoring double before senior infielder/designated hitter Juan Rodriguez and sophomore infielder Abiram Terron De Jesus each drove in runs as the Rams sent wave after wave of hitters to the plate. Junior utility player Nolan Taylor delivered the biggest blow of the inning, ripping a bases-clearing triple that broke the game wide open and pushed the Rams firmly into control. North Central continued to pile on in the middle innings as junior infielder Dawson Barson added an RBI hit while the Rams capitalized on walks and timely hitting to extend the lead. Barajas continued his standout performance throughout the afternoon, finishing a perfect 4-for-6 with four RBI, five runs scored, two doubles, and a stolen base to lead the offensive surge. The Rams totaled 13 hits and 10 walks in the contest, consistently putting runners aboard and applying pressure on the defense. Barson finished 3-for-4 with three RBI, while Taylor contributed three runs and three RBI with his triple, highlighting the rally. On the mound, freshman right-handed pitcher Brian Dahlstrand earned the win for North Central. Dahlstrand worked 4.2 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) while striking out five. Freshman infielder/right-handed pitcher Luca Villano closed the game with 2.1 scoreless innings, limiting the opposition to just one hit while striking out two. The offensive explosion allowed North Central to cruise to the run-rule victory.

Game 2: North Central 12, Alfred 10

The second game of the doubleheader featured another offensive contest, but the Rams once again delivered timely hits to secure the sweep. North Central struck first in the opening inning as Barajas continued his productive afternoon, driving in the game's first run to give the Rams an early advantage. After the lead changed hands during the middle innings, North Central produced its biggest rally in the fourth inning. Trailing entering the frame, the Rams erupted for six runs to swing the momentum. Terron De Jesus delivered the biggest hit of the inning with a bases-clearing triple, turning a deficit into a lead for North Central. Freshman catcher Isaiah Collazo followed with a towering two-run home run, adding crucial insurance during the rally. North Central continued to pressure the defense in the fifth inning when freshman outfielder Keo Coleman delivered a two-run hit to extend the lead. Taylor remained aggressive on the bases throughout the contest, recording three stolen bases while scoring three runs to help keep the offense moving. Barson paced the Rams at the plate in Game 2, finishing 4-for-5 with two RBI, while Terron De Jesus drove in three runs and Collazo added two RBI with a home run. The Rams totaled 12 hits and nine walks, consistently putting runners in scoring position. On the mound, junior right-handed pitcher Cardiff Smith started the contest, working four innings. Junior outfielder/right-handed pitcher Jacob Garcia earned the win in relief, providing a key inning to hold the lead. Junior right-handed pitcher Xander Kile closed the game with two scoreless innings, striking out two to secure his second save of the season. North Central held off a late push to complete the doubleheader sweep.

Top Performers:

Anthony Barajas (Fr., 2B/SS): Combined 5-11, 6 R, 6 RBI, 2 2B, SB
Dawson Barson (Jr., SS): Combined 7-9, 5 RBI, 3 R, 2B
Nolan Taylor (Jr., CF/LF): Combined 4-6, 6 R, 3 RBI, 3B, 2B, 4 SB
Brian Dahlstrand (Fr., LHP): Game 1: W, 4.2 IP, 3 R (2 ER), 7 H, 5 SO

Looking Ahead:

Up next, the Rams will continue their Florida campaign after an off day on Friday, March 13th. The doubleheader versus St. Norbert College (WI) will take place in Davenport, FL with first pitches scheduled for 3:00 PM CT and 5:30 PM CT.

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.