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GAME SCORE: NKU 12, USI 5
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The University of Southern Indiana baseball team dropped the opener of a four-game series at Northern Kentucky University, 12-5, Friday afternoon in Highland Heights, Ky. The Screaming Eagles see their record go to 13-9 overall and 4-5 in the GLVC, while the Norse go to 14-9, 7-2 GLVC.
USI had the bats going to start the game as it jumped out in front, 2-0, in the first inning and had a 5-2 advantage after two innings. Sophomore rightfielder
Brent Weinzapfel (Evansville, Indiana) gave the Eagles a 2-0 lead in the first inning with a two-run single to score senior second baseman
Ryan Kaczmarski (Mishawaka, Indiana) and junior leftfielder
B.J. Willis (Cincinnati, Ohio).
Following an NKU rally to knot the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the first, the Eagles rebounded with a three-run second inning to post a three-run margin, 5-2. Three Eagles crossed the plate on a RBI-single by senior first baseman
Todd Martin (Rockport, Indiana); an RBI-walk by Kaczmarski; and a sacrifice fly by Willis.
The NKU bats re-ignited in the third and went on to score 10-unanswered runs in four of the next five innings. The Norse scored two in the third, one in the fifth, three in the sixth, and four in the seventh to produce the 12-5 final.
Leading the way for USI with two-hits each were Willis, Martin, and senior designated hitter
Dylan Mooney (St. Charles, Missouri). All three scored a run, while Willis and Martin each drove in a run. Weinzapfel was the top-RBI produce with the two runs knocked in during the first inning.
On the mound, senior right-hander
Silas Dill (Bernie, Missouri) took the loss for USI. Dill (2-4) allowed eight runs, six earned, on seven hits and three walks in 5.1 innings of work. He also had three strikeouts.
USI and NKU continue the four-game series Saturday when the two team match-up for a noon (CDT) doubleheader. Sunday's series finale is slated for an 11 a.m. (CDT) first pitch. The Eagles conclude their 10-game road trip April 4 when they cross the Ohio River to play a doubleheader against the Panthers of Kentucky Wesleyan College.
