Northfield, MN -- Wednesday, North Central University (NCU) Baseball took the trip south to Northfield to play a non-conference doubleheader against the Carleton College (CC) Knights. In preparation for a tough conference series coming up over the weekend, the Rams looked to tune up and execute on the road. Today, the Rams split with the Knights, dropping a narrow 14-13 extra-inning battle in Game 1 before responding with a dominant 12-4 victory in Game 2 that ended early due to darkness. North Central's offense surged throughout the day, totaling 25 runs on 21 hits, highlighted by a 10-run inning in the nightcap that showcased their explosive potential at the plate.

Game 1: North Central 13, Carleton 14 (8 inn.)

North Central wasted no time getting on the board, as freshman first baseman Darrion Wesley sparked the offense with an early hit and later came around to score, helping the Rams build a 3-0 lead through two innings. Sophomore third baseman Abiram Terron De Jesus delivered an RBI single in the first, while freshman infielder Anthony Barajas and Wesley each drove in runs in the second to extend the early advantage. The Rams continued to apply pressure in the third inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues and aggressive baserunning. De Jesus added another RBI, while Wesley drove in a run after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. North Central plated four runs in the inning to regain momentum and take a 7-6 lead. In the fourth, the Rams extended their lead even further. Freshman catcher Aaron Alvarado delivered a clutch two-RBI double, and fellow freshman catcher Isaiah Collazo added an RBI single as North Central pushed ahead 10-6. Despite the offensive production, the back-and-forth contest tightened late. North Central added three more runs in the seventh inning behind an RBI single from senior infielder Dawson Barson and a two-RBI double from senior infielder Juan Rodriguez, reclaiming a 13-11 advantage. The Rams finished with 14 hits, led by Wesley (3-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R, 3B), De Jesus (2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R), and Woodfin (2-for-5, 3 R). Barajas added two hits and an RBI, while Alvarado's pinch-hit double drove in two key runs.

Game 2: North Central 12, Carleton 4 (5 inn.)

North Central responded emphatically in the second game, putting together one of its most complete offensive performances of the season. After falling behind early, the Rams answered in the second inning as Aaron Alvarado reached base and later scored, followed by an RBI from Anthony Barajas to even the game. The breakthrough came in the third inning, where North Central erupted for 10 runs, capitalizing on walks, hit-by-pitches, and timely hitting. During the inning, Abiram Terron De Jesus, Juan Rodriguez, and Alvarado all drew bases-loaded walks to force in runs before freshman infielder Jack Meckler delivered an RBI walk of his own. Junior outfielder Jacobi Woodfin then broke the game open with a three-RBI double, and Darrion Wesley followed with an RBI single to keep the rally going. The Rams took full advantage of control issues and defensive errors, turning just three hits into a massive scoring frame. North Central added another run in the fifth as Alvarado came through again with an RBI double, finishing the day as one of the top offensive contributors. On the mound, junior RHP Austin Bowlan delivered a strong outing, going 5.0 innings with eight strikeouts while allowing just two earned runs to secure the win. The Rams totaled 12 runs on seven hits but drew seven walks and were hit by three pitches, consistently creating scoring opportunities. Woodfin (2-for-3, 3 RBI), Meckler (1-for-2, 3 RBI), and Alvarado (1-for-1, 2 RBI, 2 R) led the offensive charge, while De Jesus reached base three times and scored three runs.

Top Performers:

• Darrion Wesley (Fr., 1B): combined 5-9, 3 RBI, 3 R, 3B, 2B, 2 SB, HBP
• Abiram Terron De Jesus (So., 3B): combined 3-6, 2 RBI, 5 R, 3 BB
• Aaron Alvarado (Fr., PH/C): combined 2-2, 4 RBI, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 BB, HBP
• Jacobi Woodfin (Jr., OF): combined 4-8, 3 RBI, 4 R, 2B, SB
• Austin Bowlan (Jr., RHP): Game 2: 5.0 IP, 8 SO, 2 ER, Win

Looking Ahead:

Up next, the Rams return home for their final home stand of the season and Senior Weekend, hosting Bethany Lutheran on Friday, April 24. First pitch is set for 7:15 PM at Gleason Field in Maple Grove, 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.