Max Colaner launches a solo home run against Quincy on Thursday.
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NORMAL, Ill. - Northern Kentucky University baseball coach
Todd Asalon would like nothing better than to get his 400th victory with the Norse this Sunday at Corn Crib Stadium.
If the Norse skipper does, it means NKU is headed to the NCAA Division II World Series.
Asalon recorded his 397th win at NKU on Thursday night with a 1-0 victory against Quincy in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional. The third-seeded Norse improved to 35-19 and moved on to the second round to meet fifth-seeded Missouri S&T at 8 p.m. Friday.
Dave Middendorf tossed a two-hit shutout for NKU, which gained a measure of revenge against Quincy. Last Sunday, the Hawks defeated NKU in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament championship game, 8-2, at Sauget, Ill.
Middendorf, a senior left-hander who was named Midwest Region Pitcher of the Year earlier on Thursday, lived up to that honor against Quincy with another masterful performance. He struck out 15 Quincy batters to match his career high. It marked the third straight game in which Middendorf recorded double-digit strikeout numbers.
Middendorf, a LaSalle High School product, now ranks No. 2 in the nation in strikeouts with 127. He also became NKU's all-time career leader in innings pitched (299 1/3), passing Josh Whaley's total of 295 1/3.
Middendorf also passed
Kevin Jordan as NKU's all-time leader for innings pitched in a season (109 1/3). In addition, Middendorf (9-3) set the NKU single-season record with his 10th complete game.
Max Colaner provided the only scoring Thursday night with a solo home run in the fifth inning off Quincy starter Mitchell Fairley. Colaner sent a 2-1 delivery from Fairley over the left-field wall for his fourth home run of the season, and that was all the support Middendorf needed.
Brian Erie finished with two hits for NKU, which is in its fourth straight NCAA Division II Tournament. The Norse have not won an NCAA regional title since 1979.
Missouri S&T knocked off defending national champion Southern Indiana, 2-0, on Thursday to advance to meet NKU. Top-seeded Grand Valley State posted a 4-2 win over Wayne State (Mich.) in 10 innings in the other first-round game Thursday.
Grand Valley State will play Quincy on Friday, while Southern Indiana meets Wayne State in an elimination game.
The double-elimination event continues through Sunday, and the regional champion will advance to the NCAA Division II World Series in Cary, N.C., May 28-June 4.
