Superior, WI – Thursday, North Central University (NCU) Baseball traveled to Wisconsin for a UMAC doubleheader against the University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS) Yellowjackets. The Rams looked to carry momentum from the weekend into conference play, battling through a challenging opening game before showing early offensive firepower in game two.

Game 1: NCU 0, UWS 11 (8 inn.)

The Rams opened the doubleheader in a tight early contest, trading scoreless innings while looking to break through offensively. Senior infielder Dawson Barson led the way at the plate, going 2-4, while freshman designated hitter Darrion Wesley, freshman infielder/outfielder Jack Meckler, freshman infielder Anthony Barajas, and junior outfielder/pitcher Jacob Garcia each added hits. North Central's best opportunity came in the fourth inning, as Wesley, Meckler, and Barajas delivered three straight singles to load the bases with two outs. Despite the pressure, the Rams were unable to push a run across, leaving the bases loaded in a key moment that halted their momentum. On the mound, freshman RHP Justin Hostetler worked into the fifth inning, keeping the game within reach early, while graduate RHP Cardiff Smith provided relief over the final innings. Defensive miscues and a big middle inning allowed the game to slip away, as the Rams were unable to recover offensively down the stretch.

Game 2: NCU 6, UWS 7

North Central responded with an explosive start in the second game of the doubleheader, putting together a five-run first inning to seize early control. Freshman DH Darrion Wesley set the tone by reaching base to open the game, while sophomore infielder Abiram Terron De Jesus followed with a base hit. Senior infielder Juan Rodriguez drove in the first run with an RBI single, and freshman outfielder Dante Wade added another with a run-scoring knock. Sophomore outfielder John Patty continued the rally with an RBI single before freshman Keo Coleman capped the inning with a sacrifice fly. The Rams added to their lead in the fourth inning as Wesley came around to score again, pushing the advantage to 6-2. Rodriguez paced the offense with a 2-for-4 performance and an RBI, while Wade and Patty each contributed key runs batted in. Junior RHP Austin Bowlan delivered a strong start on the mound, throwing 5.0 innings while allowing just two runs. Senior LHP Tim Yohan Dixon followed out of the bullpen with 2.2 innings and two strikeouts, helping the Rams maintain their lead into the late innings. Despite carrying a four-run advantage into the eighth inning, a late rally shifted the game. North Central fought to extend the contest, but the opposition completed the comeback in the ninth inning.

Top Performers:

• Juan Rodriguez (Sr., 1B): Game 2: 2-4, RBI, 2B, R
• Dawson Barson (Sr., SS): combined 3-9
• Darrion Wesley (Fr., DH): combined 2-7, 2 R, BB
• Austin Bowlan (Jr., RHP): Game 2: 5.0 IP, 2 ER, SO

Looking Ahead:

Up next, the Rams stay in Superior for Game 3 of the series. First pitch in that game is set for 11:00 AM at the NBC Baseball & Softball Complex in Superior, WI.

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