Skip To Main Content

North Central University Athletics

HOME OF NORTH CENTRAL UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Full Calendar
Juan Rodriguez
Jackie Lindsay, @jackielindsay_photography
5
Winner Northwestern (Minn.) UNW 3-7
1
North Central (Minn.) NCU 4-9
Winner
Northwestern (Minn.) UNW
3-7
5
Final
1
North Central (Minn.) NCU
4-9
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Northwestern (Minn.) UNW 1 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 5 9 1
North Central (Minn.) NCU 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 1

W: Dreyer Homan (1-0) L: Bowlan, Austin (1-2)

Game Recap: Baseball |

Rams Unable to Overcome Early Deficit in UMAC Opener

St. Paul, MN – The North Central University (NCU) baseball team returned to familiar Reynolds Field for their conference opener versus the University of Northwestern (UNW) Eagles. Looking to build momentum from their wins on their Florida spring break trip, the Rams wanted to start UMAC play with a bang. Despite battling throughout and showing flashes offensively, the Rams were unable to overcome an early deficit, falling by a final score of 5-1.

North Central fell behind early after the Eagles pushed across a run in the opening inning. The Rams looked to answer in the bottom half as senior designated hitter Juan Rodriguez recorded a two-out single to spark the offense, but the opportunity was cut short before NCU could capitalize. Northwestern added another run in the third inning before a multi-run fourth stretched the deficit to 4-0. The Rams found their breakthrough at the bottom of the fourth inning. Senior infielder Dawson Barson ignited the rally with a leadoff double to center field, putting immediate pressure on the defense. After sophomore infielder Abiram Terron De Jesus worked a walk to put two runners on, freshman outfielder Jack Meckler delivered with an RBI single to right center, scoring Barson and trimming the deficit to 4-1. On the mound, junior right-handed pitcher Austin Bowlan battled through the first four innings, limiting further damage outside of the key scoring frames while keeping the Rams within reach. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Brian Dahlstrand provided a strong relief appearance, tossing five innings while allowing just one run on four hits to stabilize the game and give the offense a chance to respond late. North Central continued to create opportunities in the middle innings as freshman catcher Aaron Alvarado recorded a single and junior outfielder Nolan Taylor reached base and stole a bag to move into scoring position. The Rams showed patience at the plate with five walks as a team, but were unable to deliver the timely hit needed to close the gap. Rodriguez led the Rams offensively with a 2-for-4 performance, consistently putting the ball in play. Barson added the lone extra-base hit of the game, while Meckler drove in North Central's only run. Defensively, the Rams turned two double plays to limit additional scoring chances and keep the game within striking distance. Though North Central threatened late, the early deficit proved too much to overcome as the Rams were held scoreless over the final five innings.


Top Performers:


Looking Ahead:

Up next, the Rams will continue their three-game series versus Northwestern with a doubleheader against Northwestern tomorrow, March 21st, at Reynolds Field in St. Paul, MN. First pitch for Game 2 is set for 1:00 PM and Game 3 at 4:00 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.

Print Friendly Version