North Central University Athletics

New Ulm, MN -- Saturday, North Central University (NCU) Baseball headed south to take on the Martin Luther College Knights. After an eventful game one on Friday, the Rams closed out the series with a split doubleheader, showcasing both resilience and explosive offensive production, highlighted by a dramatic late push in the opener and a high-powered 15-hit performance in the finale.

Game 1:  NCU 5, MLC 6

North Central struck early and controlled much of the game behind timely hitting and a dominant start on the mound, but a late rally ultimately flipped the result in a narrow defeat. The Rams wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues before senior designated hitter Juan Rodriguez launched a two-run home run to give NCU a 3-0 lead. Rodriguez finished with a strong showing at the plate, going 1-for-3 with 2 RBI and a home run. NCU added to its lead in the fourth inning when freshman second baseman Anthony Barajas delivered a clutch two-RBI single, extending the advantage to 5-0. Barajas finished 1-for-4 with 2 RBI and also added a stolen base, continuing his impact on the basepaths. On the mound, freshman right-handed pitcher Darrion Wesley turned in one of his strongest outings of the season, tossing 8.0 innings while allowing just 5 hits and 4 runs with 5 strikeouts. Wesley kept the opposition off balance throughout, working efficiently and limiting scoring opportunities deep into the game. NCU carried a 5-0 lead into the ninth inning, but a late surge from the Knights tied and eventually walked off the game, despite strong defensive efforts and momentum carried through 8 innings.

Game 2: NCU 12, MLC 11

The Rams responded in a big way in game two, delivering one of their most complete offensive performances of the season in a back-and-forth slugfest that saw NCU secure the win. After falling behind early, NCU ignited in the fourth inning with a massive seven-run frame. The rally was highlighted by freshman outfielder Jack Meckler, who blasted a three-run home run as part of a huge day at the plate. Meckler finished 3-for-4 with a home run, a triple, 5 RBI, and 3 runs scored, leading the offensive charge. Senior first baseman Juan Rodriguez continued his standout day, going 4-for-5 with 2 RBI, consistently delivering in key moments. Meanwhile, freshman  Anthony Barajas added three hits and reached base four times, finishing 3-for-4 with a walk. NCU tallied 15 total hits in the game, with contributions throughout the lineup. Freshman outfielder Dante Wade, freshman designated hitter Aaron Alvarado, and freshman catcher Isaiah Collazo all chipped in hits as the Rams applied constant offensive pressure. On the mound, freshman right-handed pitcher Ivan Demel earned the win, going 5.0 innings with 5 runs allowed while keeping NCU in position offensively. The bullpen battled through late pressure, with senior left-handed pitcher Tim Yohan Dixon shutting the door in the ninth to secure the save. Despite multiple late pushes from Martin Luther, the Rams responded each time, adding insurance runs in the seventh and eighth innings and holding on in a tense finish.

Top Performers: 

• Jack Meckler (Fr., RF): Game 2: 3-4, 2 HR, 3B, 5 RBI, 3 R, BB
• Juan Rodriguez (Sr., DH/1B): combined 5-8, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R, BB
• Anthony Barajas (Fr., 2B): combined 4-8, 2 RBI, R, SB
• Ivan Demel (Fr., RHP): 5.0 IP, Win

Looking Ahead: 

With the doubleheader split, the Rams will wrap up the season with a non-conference single against a familiar foe, the University of Northwestern Eagles. That game is scheduled for Monday, May 4th, with first-pitch scheduled for 6:00 PM at Reynolds Field in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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.