Brad Clement went 6-for-8 on the day to lead NKU to a doubleheader sweep.
Game 1 Box score Game 2 Box score
OWENSBORO, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University baseball team's winning streak now stands at 16 after claiming the series sweep with more wins against Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon at Panther Park in Owensboro, Ky.
Brad Clement finished the day 6-for-8 on the day with three runs scored to lead NKU, which improved to 23-9 overall, 16-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
The Norse plated three runs in the first inning of the opening game on the way to a 5-3 victory.
Bradley Vanderglas singled to start the Norse offense and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Clement reached base when he was hit by a Tim Steed pitch.
After
Phil Smith struck out,
Kris Hecktor doubled to bring Vanderglas home. Clement and Hecktor both scored on a single by
Pat Williams.
Kentucky Wesleyan (13-15 overall, 7-9 in the GLVC) scored two runs in the bottom of the inning to cut the NKU lead to 3-2.
Max Colaner took advantage of a Kentucky Wesleyan error to add another run to the scoreboard for NKU the following inning. Colaner singled and proceeded to steal second. He stole third and scored on a throwing error by catcher Mark Hagedorn.
The Norse added one more run in the fifth inning to seal the win. Hecktor advanced to third on a wild pitch and was able to score on the play.
The Panthers threated in the bottom of the fifth, but
Brett Loeding replaced
Brent Wagner and ended the rally.
Loeding earned his eighth save of the season. He pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings and only allowed one hit.
Matt Jefferson (3-1) earned the win for the Norse. He struck out three batters in three innings of work.
Clement went 3-for-3 with two runs to lead NKU.
The Norse used a three-run eighth inning to secure a 4-0 victory in the nightcap.
NKU once again took advantage of a Kentucky Wesleyan error to break a scoreless tie in the fourth inning.
Hecktor reached base on a throwing error by second baseman Max Aubrey. He scored on back-to-back singles by
Brett Cisper and
Zac Asman.
Clement sparked the offense in the eighth inning to extend the Norse lead to 4-0.
Clement singled and scored on a Smith double, which prompted a Panther pitching change.
After Hecktor flied out, Cisper singled to bring Smith home. He stole second and scored the final run of the game when Asman singled to left-center.
Mike Nastold (2-0) pitched four scoreless innings to earn the win. He only allowed two hits and collected five strikeouts.
The victory marked the third shutout in six games for the Norse pitching staff. NKU cruised to 9-0 and 6-0 victories on Tuesday against Bellarmine.
The Norse return home next weekend for a four-game series against Indianapolis. The two teams will play doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday. The first pitch for both days is scheduled for noon.
