was hit by a pitch to lead off the Norse seventh and replaced by pinch-runner
Ryan Hinz.
Caleb Lonkard sacrificed Hinz to second base, bringing up the top of the NKU order.
After
Zac Asman flew out to right,
Caleb Kellogg drew a walk and Ball State brought in reliever T.J. Weir.
Cody Kuzniczci reached on an infield single to load the bases, bringing Spurlin to the plate. Spurlin singled to center, driving in both Hinz and Kellogg to give NKU a 4-3 lead.
Spurlin was 2-for-4 as NKU improved to 8-18 overall. It marked the second straight year that the Norse defeated the Cardinals. Ball State is 19-10 overall.
Kellogg walked three times and scored twice for the Norse, who are 4-0 all-time against Ball State.
Cody Cooper pitched 2/3 of an inning and collected the win in relief. NKU starter
Garrett Schrantz allowed just one earned run in five innings on the mound.
NKU begins a three-game series with Atlantic Sun Conference rival Stetson at 3 p.m. Friday at the Bill Aker Baseball Complex.
Links to live stats and John Asalon's audio broadcast will be available at nkunorse.com.
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