NKU-BU box score |
NKU-EMU box score
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky University pitchers collected 20 strikeouts in 19 innings of work on Friday, but it was not enough as the Norse dropped a 6-2 decision to Butler in the opener and fell to Eastern Michigan, 2-1, in 10 innings in the second game at the Bill Aker Baseball Complex.
NKU (2-16) plated a run in the first inning to start the game off strong against Eastern Michigan. With one out,
Zac Asman sent a 0-2 pitch into left center for his second double of the season. He stole third and scored on a groundout by
Brad Clement for the 1-0 advantage.
Blake Bagshaw held the Eagles scoreless through the first three innings, but Eastern Michigan (7-9) evened the game in the top of the fourth with a solo home run by Lee Longo.
The game remained at 1-all through the next five innings, and the Eagles pushed the go-ahead run across the play in 10th. A double by John Rubino started the inning off, and he went to third on a sacrifice bunt.
Brett Loeding intentionally walked Daniel Russell and a hit batter to load the bases.
Rubino scored on a fielder's choice by Sam Ott, and the Norse were able to get out of the inning before another run scored, giving NKU a chance to rally for the third time this season.
NKU, however, was retired in order to end the game.
Both teams had chances to win the game before the extra inning, but the Norse stranded five base runners on the day, including two in scoring position, while the Eagles left eight.
Russell finished 2-for-4 to lead Eastern Michigan, while Ryan Lavoie (1-2) pitched two innings of scoreless relief to earn his first victory of the season.
Blake Bagshaw (0-3) struck out eight batters and did not walk a batter in 6 2/3 innings. He only allowed a run on five hits. Loeding (1-3) recorded two strikeouts and only surrendered three hits in the loss for the Norse.
Asman led NKU after going 2-for-4 with two double and one run against Eastern Michigan.
In the opening game, a two-run home run highlighted a four-run second inning for Butler as the Bulldogs cruised to the victory.
Butler (6-9) added a run in the fifth and seventh to extend the lead. The Norse matched the Bulldogs in the seventh but their rally fell short in the bottom of the ninth as NKU was only able to plate one more run for the final margin.
Eric Stout (3-2) went six innings for the Bulldogs and recorded seven strikeouts. He only allowed one run on three hits, while Chase Byerly earned his first save of the season with three innings of relief work.
Asman plated both NKU runs on
Josh Myers RBIs.
Matt Jefferson (0-4) collected eight strikeouts in seven innings of work for the Norse but gave up six runs on 14 hits.
Tim Clark (1-0) pitched two innings of relief and struck out two batters. He only allowed one hit.
NKU returns to action Saturday against Eastern Michigan at noon. The Eagles follow with a neutral-site contest against Butler at 3:30 p.m.
