Box score
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Northern Kentucky University capitalized on three costly errors by Saint Louis to earn a 5-3 victory in extra innings on Friday afternoon.
It marked NKU's first victory as an NCAA Division I program, and the Norse improved to 1-4 on the season.
After the Billikens jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after the second inning, the Norse climbed back into the game with a run in the fifth inning. An error by Alec Sole allowed
Josh Myers to reach base and
Pat Hyde to score, cutting the Saint Louis advantage to 3-1.
NKU followed that with a two-run sixth inning to tie the game.
Zac Asman got the offense going when he reached on Sole's second error of the game.
Conor Ledger, playing in his first collegiate game, reached base on a fielder's choice that saw Asman getting out on the play.
Cody Kuzniczci singled to right field to advance Ledger to second, and Hyde followed with a double to bring home Ledger and Kuzniczci to even the score.
Over the next seven scoreless innings, both teams had chances to take the lead or win the ballgame. Saint Louis left eight runners on base over the final eight innings, while NKU stranded five.
The Norse offense came alive in the top of the 14th inning. Myers singled to right field with one out, and proceeded to steal second base.
Brad Clement followed with a single to left field, advancing Myers to third.
With
Ryan Hinz at the plate, signals were mixed up and Myers attempted to come home. Myers slipped trying to return to back to third base and appeared to be trapped. Braxton Martinez lost control of the ball, and Myers came home to give NKU its first lead of the game.
After Hinz struck out, Asman drew a walk. Asman advanced to second on a wild pitch, and Clement advanced to third. Ledger singled up the middle to bring Clement home and seal the victory for the Norse.
Saint Louis was unable to answer in the bottom of the inning.
The Billikens' best chance to earn the victory came in the bottom of the 12th inning. Saint Louis, which fell to 2-2 overall, had two runners on base with one out, but NKU held on to extend the game.
Hyde went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, two doubles and a run scored for NKU.
Brett Loeding (1-1) earned his first victory of the season after pitching 6 2/3 innings of relief. He did not allow a run and scattered five hits.
NKU returns to action at Shelby Park on Saturday against Northwestern at 1 p.m.
The Norse were originally scheduled to play a second game against Saint Louis, but the Wildcats' series against Kansas was canceled due to inclement weather and the schedule was adjusted.
