Davenport, FL -- The North Central University (NCU) baseball team continued their 2026 campaign in Florida on Sunday with a doubleheader against the Elms College (EC) Blazers. The Rams battled through two very different contests, dropping the opener before responding with a strong bounce-back performance to earn a split on the day. North Central fell in Game 1 by a score of 21-5 before rallying in Game 2 with a 5-3 victory behind strong pitching and timely hitting. Offensive highlights across the doubleheader included a home run from sophomore infielder Abiram Terron De Jesus, multiple extra-base hits from freshman outfielder Jack Meckler, and a multi-hit performance from senior infielder Juan Rodriguez.

Game 1: NCU 5, Elms 21

North Central looked to establish momentum early but fell behind after a first-inning run from Elms. The Rams threatened in the bottom half when freshman infielder Anthony Barajas reached base and advanced into scoring position, but the rally stalled before a run could cross. The Blazers added several runs in the second inning to build an early lead, but North Central continued to battle offensively. Freshman catcher Aaron Alvarado worked a walk in the second inning, and freshman infielder Luca Villano followed with a single to keep the pressure on the bases. NCU broke through in the third inning with its biggest offensive swing of the game. Sophomore designated hitter Abiram Terron De Jesus delivered the highlight of the inning with a two-run home run to left field, scoring Rodriguez and cutting into the deficit. The blast marked De Jesus' first home run of the season and gave the Rams early momentum at the plate. North Central continued to generate baserunners through the middle innings. Jack Meckler recorded multiple extra-base hits, including a pair of doubles, while Barajas added two hits from the top of the lineup. In the seventh inning, the Rams closed the game with a late offensive push. Meckler doubled to drive in a run before Alvarado followed with an RBI double of his own. Moments later, junior outfielder Nolan Taylor lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home another run as North Central finished the contest with five runs on nine hits.

Game 2: NCU 5, Elms 3

The Rams responded in the second game with an early offensive spark. Freshman outfielder Keo Coleman led off with a single before senior shortstop Dawson Barson added a hit to put two runners on. Moments later, Coleman used his speed to swipe third and score on a defensive miscue, giving North Central the first run of the game. Later in the inning, Abiram Terron De Jesus delivered again for the Rams with an RBI double to right field, plating Barson and extending the lead to 2-0. North Central maintained control through the middle innings behind a dominant pitching performance from junior right-hander Austin Bowlan. Bowlan kept the Elms hitters off balance, striking out 10 batters across 6 innings while allowing just 1 run. The Rams added insurance runs in the fifth inning. After Isaiah Collazo reached base and advanced into scoring position, Juan Rodriguez singled to put runners on. De Jesus then worked a walk before freshman infielder Darrion Wesley delivered an RBI single. Meckler followed with a sacrifice fly to score Rodriguez, capping a three-run inning that extended the Rams' lead to 5-0. Elms College pushed across a pair of runs late in the seventh inning to make things interesting, but North Central closed the door. Junior relief pitcher Xander Kile bridged the gap before freshman right-hander Ivan Demel entered to record the final outs and earn the save, securing the 5-3 victory and a split of the doubleheader.

Top Performers: 

• Jack Meckler (Fr., OF): combined 3-7, 2 RBI, 1 R, 3 2B, SF
• Abiram Terron De Jesus (So., IF): combined 2-7, 3 RBI, 2 R, HR, 2B, BB
• Juan Rodriguez (Sr., IF/DH): combined 3-8, 2 R, 2B
• Austin Bowlan (Jr., RHP): Game 2: 6.0 IP, 1 R (0 ER), 6 H, 10 SO, W

Looking Ahead: 

NCU continues its Florida slate tomorrow, March 9th, when the Rams face Marymount University (VA) in a doubleheader at the Chain O' Lakes Complex  in Winter Haven, Florida. First pitch of Game 1 is scheduled for 9:30 AM CT, followed by Game 2 at 12:00 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.