Matt Wagers hits a grand slam

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Northern Kentucky University used a three-run seventh inning to defeat No. 8 Grand Valley State, 12-11, in the second game of a doubleheader Saturday at the Bill Aker Baseball Complex at Friendship Field.

Grand Valley State (2-1) jumped out to an early 7-0 lead in the second inning and added a run the following inning when a single by Nate Secor brought home Pat Radde, who had doubled, to give the Lakers an 8-3 lead.

The Norse, who improved to 2-1 overall, took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning when shortstop Kory Lonergan scored on a wild pitch. Matt Jones started the inning out when he reached base on an error by first baseman Casey Robrahn, followed by a single by Nick D’Ippolito. A double from Josh Moulton drove in Jones.

After Jeff Sinicki walked Kenny Wilson and struck out Jon Back, Matt Wagers stepped to the plate and hit a home run over the wall in right-center to tie the game at 8-all.

The Lakers - who are seeking their fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II World Series this season - scored two runs in the sixth and one run in the seventh to take an 11-9 lead into the bottom of the seventh.

Conor McGeehan sparked the Norse comeback with a single, and Brian DeCarlo was sent in to pinch run for him. Jones followed with a single, and Jim Volpe was sent in for Jones. D’Ippolito singled, scoring DeCarlo, and Matt Marksbury was sent in to pinch run for D’Ippolito.

Matt Marksbury (23) scored the winner

Moulton’s single brought Volpe home, advancing Marksbury to third base. A wild pitch by Nick Sandy allowed Marksbury to come home with the winning run.

Jones went 3-for-4 for the Norse and scored twice, while D’Ippolito and Moulton both went 2-for-4. Moulton finished with two runs batted in.

In the first game, Nick Smith hit a three-run home run in the fourth inning to put Grand Valley State ahead for good en route to a 6-4 victory over NKU. The Lakers added a run in the sixth to secure the win. Justin McKenzie went 2-for-2, while adding three runs and one RBI for Grand Valley State.

Nate McCrory picked up the win for the Lakers, allowing three hits in four innings while striking out three batters.

Chris Nann went 2-for-3 for the Norse and finished with two RBI. Jones went 1-for-2 and added an RBI as well.

NKU will open Great Lakes Valley Conference play next Saturday with a doubleheader against Southern Illinois at Edwardsville at Champion Window Field in Florence, Ky., starting at noon.

The remainder of NKU’s home games will be played at Champion Window Field this season.

GAME 1 BOX SCORE

GAME 2 BOX SCORE