MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Senior catcher
Logan Spurlin went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate while the Northern Kentucky University baseball team posted seven runs across the final four innings to win the series finale at Alabama State, 8-5, at Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
Spurlin added two runs and a career-high tying three RBI on Sunday to go with his career-best four hits including a home run.
In his first start this season, left-hander
Trey Ganns threw five innings and allowed four runs, three of which were earned. The sophomore fanned five and walked none to pick up the win.
The teams exchanged runs to open the game with Spurlin knotting the game at 1-1 with his second homer of the season.
Alabama State (10-7) added one run in both the third and fourth frames to take a 3-1 lead on four combined hits and an NKU miscue.
A four-run sixth inning for NKU (5-10) shifted the game's momentum as the Norse faced four different Alabama State pitchers in the frame and took their first lead.
Anthony Vagnier got the scoring started, pushing
Will Haueter across the plate with an RBI single.
Tito Montgomery then drew a bases-loaded walk to tie the game, followed by a two-run double off the bat of
Ryan LeFevers to cap off the inning with NKU leading 5-3.
The Hornets contested a run in the bottom of the frame, but NKU scored one run in each of the final three frames to provide enough insurance for the victory.
Norse relievers
Seth Rosenberg and
Aric Harris combined for three scoreless innings while
Charlie Jerger was awarded his first save of the season.
NKU returns to action on Tuesday, March 15 when they travel to take on Ohio in the first midweek match-up of the 2016 slate. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. at Bob Wren Stadium.
NORSE NOTES:- Spurlin surpassed Mike Moffatt as NKU's RBI leader on Sunday, totaling 12 so far this season. The senior has eight RBI in the last five games.
- Haueter extended his season-long hit streak to 13 games as he clubbed his team-leading 20th hit and seventh double of the year.
- NKU and Alabama State were tied with 11 hits on the day. Northern Kentucky's 11 hits were distributed among eight different players.