St. Paul, MN – Saturday, North Central University (NCU) Baseball returned to Reynolds Field to wrap up its 3-game series against the University of Northwestern (UNW) Eagles. Yesterday, the Rams fell 5-1 in their conference opener. Today, despite a strong stretch of early offensive execution in both games, the Rams were unable to sustain momentum, falling in both contests of the doubleheader by scores of 16-4 and 19-2.

Game 1: North Central 4, Northwestern 16

North Central showed resilience early in the opener, responding after a first-inning deficit with steady offensive pressure. After falling behind in the opening frame, the Rams manufactured their first run in the second inning. Freshman outfielder Jack Meckler was hit by a pitch to begin the rally and later came around to score on a defensive miscue, cutting into the deficit. The Rams continued to battle offensively in the third inning. Senior infielder Juan Rodriguez delivered a double into the gap, and freshman two-way player Darrion Wesley followed with an RBI single to bring North Central within striking distance at 8-2. North Central's most productive inning came in the fourth. Freshman infielder Anthony Barajas sparked the offense with an RBI single, while Wesley later drove in another run after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. The Rams capitalized on pressure situations to plate two runs and trim the margin to 8-4. At the plate, Barajas led the way with a 2-for-4 performance and an RBI, while Wesley finished 1-for-3 with a team-high two RBIs. Rodriguez added a double and scored a run, and freshman catcher Isaiah Collazo contributed a hit and a run scored as part of an eight-hit effort for the Rams. Despite the offensive push, North Central was unable to slow Northwestern's continued scoring in the middle innings, as the visitors extended the lead late to secure the 16-4 result.

Game 2: North Central 2, Northwestern 19

In the second game of the doubleheader, North Central again showed early competitiveness, keeping the game scoreless through the first three innings before capitalizing offensively in the fourth. Senior infielder Dawson Barson ignited the Rams' offense with a clutch RBI double to center field, bringing home freshman outfielder Dante Wade for the team's first run. Moments later, Juan Rodriguez delivered again with an RBI single to plate Barson and cut the deficit to 3-2. Barson led the Rams offensively, going 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI, continuing his strong presence at the top of the lineup. Rodriguez added another RBI on a 1-for-4 performance with a walk, while freshman catcher Aaron Alvarado and Jack Meckler each recorded hits as part of an eight-hit team effort. On the mound, freshman right-handed pitcher Darrion Wesley delivered a solid start, working 6.0 innings while allowing just three runs and keeping North Central within one run heading into the late innings. The Rams' pitching staff showed flashes of control early, but a late offensive surge by the Eagles in the seventh and ninth innings created separation. Despite the final score, North Central's early execution and ability to manufacture runs highlighted positive offensive trends moving forward.

Top Performers: 

• Dawson Barson (Sr., SS): Game 2: 3-5, 2B, RBI
• Anthony Barajas (Fr., 2B): Game 1: 2-4, RBI
• Darrion Wesley (Fr., 1B/RHP): Game 1: 1-3, 2 RBI, HBP | Game 2: 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 2 SO

Looking Ahead: 

Up next, North Central Baseball returns to Reynolds Field next Thursday, March 26th, for a non-conference doubleheader against the College of St. Scholastica. These 7-inning games are scheduled for 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM in St. Paul, MN.

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.