Maple Grove, MN -- Friday, North Central University (NCU) baseball returned home for a home series versus the Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) Vikings. Today, the Rams fell in the series opener, 13-1, but showed flashes of production at the plate, highlighted by a pair of extra-base hits from senior
Dawson Barson and freshman
Aaron Alvarado.
North Central came out strong defensively in the opening inning behind sophomore left-handed pitcher
Brian Dahlstrand, who worked a clean first frame to keep things scoreless early. The Rams looked to build momentum in the bottom half as shortstop
Dawson Barson worked a walk, but were unable to capitalize. The Vikings broke through in the second inning with a multi-run frame, but the Rams continued to battle and found their answer in the third. Freshman infielder
Anthony Barajas reached base to spark the inning, setting the stage for Barson. The senior delivered the biggest swing of the day for North Central, lacing an RBI double down the left field line to bring Barajas home and put the Rams on the board. North Central continued to generate opportunities midway through the game. In the fourth inning, catcher
Aaron Alvarado ripped a double to right field and advanced to third on a wild pitch, giving the Rams another scoring chance. Despite the pressure, the Rams were unable to bring him home, stranding a key baserunner. On the mound, Dahlstrand battled through three innings of work, allowing six runs (four earned) while navigating traffic and limiting damage in key moments. Sophomore right-handed pitcher
Tim Bullert followed in relief, recording two strikeouts over 1.2 innings, while sophomore right-handed pitcher
Jayden Mersereau closed out the final 2.1 innings and added a strikeout of his own. Offensively, the Rams were held to two hits on the day. Barson led the way with a 1-for-2 performance, including an RBI double and a walk, while Alvarado added a 1-for-3 line with a double. Barajas also contributed by reaching base, scoring the lone run, and making some highlight reel plays in the field for North Central. Defensively, North Central turned a double play and showed resilience throughout, continuing to compete despite facing a high-powered offensive stretch. The Rams also displayed aggressiveness on the bases, highlighted by junior outfielder
Jacobi Woodfin swiping a base late in the game.
Top Performers:
Looking Ahead:
Up next, the Rams will return to Maple Grove to finish the three-game series tomorrow, April 25th. Game times for those contests are set for 1:00 and 4:00 PM. The "Senior Day" presentation will take place after game one.
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