Davenport, FL -- The North Central University (NCU) baseball team wrapped up its Florida slate Friday with a doubleheader against the St. Norbert College (SNC) Green Knights at Northeast Regional Park. The Rams generated strong offensive production across the two contests, collecting 14 total hits on the day, highlighted by a fast start in game one and several multi-hit performances throughout the lineup. Despite the offensive effort, North Central dropped both games in tightly contested matchups to close out their spring break trip.

Game 1: North Central 5, St. Norbert 6

North Central wasted no time applying pressure early in the opener, erupting for four runs in the top of the first inning. Senior infielder Dawson Barson started the rally with a single before senior designated hitter Juan Rodriguez followed with a base hit to put two runners aboard. Sophomore infielder Abiram Terron De Jesus was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. Freshman outfielder Jack Meckler delivered the first breakthrough, drawing a hit-by-pitch that forced in the game's first run. Moments later, freshman two-way player Darrion Wesley crushed a bases-clearing double to left field, driving in three runs and giving the Rams an early 4-0 advantage. St. Norbert answered in the bottom half of the inning, taking advantage of several defensive miscues and timely hits to plate five runs and reclaim a 5-4 lead after the first frame. North Central then responded in the third inning. Terron De Jesus reached base, and Meckler followed with a single to put runners in scoring position. Wesley again delivered in the clutch, ripping an RBI single to score Terron De Jesus and even the score at 5-5. Over the next several innings, the Rams continued to threaten offensively. Freshman infielder Anthony Barajas collected multiple hits while Meckler and Wesley continued to put pressure on the defense. North Central finished the game with 11 hits, including three from Wesley and two apiece from Barajas and Meckler. On the mound, junior right-hander Austin Bowlan worked six innings while striking out four and limiting damage after the explosive first inning. The game remained tied until the bottom of the seventh inning, when a late rally produced the walk-off run to narrowly edge the Rams at 6-5.

Game 2: North Central 1, St. Norbert 6

In the nightcap, the Rams again looked to create early offense but were limited to just a handful of scoring opportunities despite solid contact throughout the lineup. North Central's first chance came in the second inning when junior outfielder Jacob Garcia lined a single and advanced into scoring position, but the Rams were unable to capitalize. The Rams broke through in the third inning thanks to junior Nolan Taylor. Taylor reached on a bunt single, stole second base, and later scored on a wild pitch to tie the contest at 1-1. The game remained tight until the fourth inning, when a big inning allowed the opposition to pull away. Despite the deficit, the Rams continued to compete at the plate, with Garcia recording two hits and Taylor adding a hit and run scored. North Central's pitching staff worked to limit further damage down the stretch. Freshman right-hander Justin Hostetler, senior left-hander Tim Yohan Dixon, and freshman right-hander Ivan Demel combined for 3.2 scoreless innings of relief, highlighted by Demel striking out two batters in the final frame. The Rams finished the game with three hits, including a multi-hit effort from Garcia and a run-scoring opportunity sparked by Taylor's aggressive baserunning.

Top Performers: 

• Darrion Wesley (Fr., 1B/RHP): Game 1: 3-3, 4 RBI, 2B, BB
• Anthony Barajas (Fr., 2B): Game 1: 2-4, multi-hit game
• Jack Meckler (Fr., RF/LF): combined 3 H, RBI, R, HBP

Looking Ahead: 

Up next, North Central baseball will look to take their Florida experience and apply it to conference play with a matchup versus the University of Northwestern on Friday, March 20th at Gleason Field in Maple Grove, MN. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 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.