Maple Grove, MN – Friday, North Central University (NCU) baseball resumed conference play with game one of a three-game set versus the Crown College (CC) Polars, dropping a hard-fought contest despite a powerful showing from the middle of the lineup. The Rams erased an early deficit with a four-run fourth inning, highlighted by a pair of home runs from Darrion Wesley, but ultimately fell short late, 12-6. North Central showed resilience early after falling behind in the opening innings.

That spark came in the bottom of the third inning when freshman infielder Darrion Wesley launched a solo home run to right field, putting North Central on the board. Moments later, senior infielder Dawson Barson reached base and used his speed to create pressure, eventually scoring on a defensive miscue to cut the deficit to 4-2. The Rams delivered their biggest inning of the game in the fourth. After freshman infielder Anthony Barajas worked a leadoff walk, Wesley struck again. This time, he drove a two-run home run down the right field line to bring North Central within one. Senior infielder Juan Rodriguez followed with a base hit to keep the momentum alive before sophomore infielder Abiram Terron De Jesus drew a walk to load the bases. Freshman infielder Jack Meckler then delivered a clutch RBI double to left field, and junior utility player Nolan Taylor worked a bases-loaded walk to tie the game at 6-6. Despite the offensive surge, the Rams were unable to regain control as the game moved into the middle innings. A three-run swing in the sixth created separation, while North Central continued to battle at the plate but left multiple runners on base throughout the contest. The Rams drew eight walks and were hit by six pitches, showing discipline and pressure, but stranded 17 runners in the game. On the mound, freshman RHP Ivan Demel got the start before senior LHP Tim Yohan Dixon, graduate RHP Cardiff Smith, and sophomore RHP Tim Bullert combined in relief efforts. The staff worked through traffic across multiple innings, but timely hits proved to be the difference late. Offensively, Wesley led the way with a standout performance, finishing 2-for-5 with two home runs, three RBIs, and two runs scored. De Jesus added a 2-for-3 day with a walk, while Meckler contributed an RBI double and reached base multiple times after being hit by three pitches. Barson also added a double and two stolen bases, continuing to be a disruptive presence on the basepaths. The Rams fell 12-6 in game one of the series.

Top Performers:

• Darrion Wesley (Fr., 1B): 2-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB
• Abiram Terron De Jesus (So., 3B): 2-3, R, BB, HBP
• Jack Meckler (Fr., RF): 1-2, 2B, RBI, 3 HBP

Looking Ahead:

Up next, the Rams stay at home where they will wrap up the Crown College series with Games 2 and 3 tomorrow, Saturday, April 11th. First pitch for those games are set for 1:00 and 4:00 PM at Gleason Field in Maple Grove, MN.

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