Jim Volpe scores against Rockhurst

SAUGET, Ill. - Steve Braun’s two-run homer in the sixth inning snapped a 1-1 tie and lifted Rockhurst to a 3-1 win over Northern Kentucky University in the second round of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament on Friday.

NKU (39-18-1) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Josh Moulton tripled down the left-field line to drive in Jim Volpe. Rockhurst countered by scoring an unearned run in the top of the fourth to tie the game at 1-all.

It remained that way until the sixth, when Braun lofted a fly ball to left field that cleared the fence for a two-run homer. Braun’s second home run of the season - which was aided by strong winds blowing out to left - came off NKU starter Matt Marksbury, who went the distance and struck out seven Rockhurst batters.

Rockhurst reliever Logan McElwain came out of the bullpen to pitch the final three innings and record his 10th save of the season. NKU put two runners on base in the bottom of the ninth with one out, but McElwain retired Kenny Wilson on a fly ball and Kory Lonergan on a grounder to end the game.

Rockhurst, the No. 3 seed in the GLVC Tournament, improved to 35-19. Earlier this season, NKU defeated the Hawks three times during a four-game series at Kansas City, Mo.

NKU, the No. 1 seed, will meet Southern Illinois at Edwardsville at 1 p.m. Saturday in an elimination game. If the Norse win, they will also play Saturday at 7 p.m. in another elimination contest.

NKU and SIUE played a four-game series at Florence, Ky., in March, and the Norse were 2-1-1 against the Cougars. In the first game of that series on March 4, SIUE’s Kyle Jones tossed a no-hitter in a 5-0 Cougar victory.

NKU is currently ranked 23rd nationally in the NCAA Division II poll. The Norse are No. 2 in the North Central Region rankings.

BOX SCORE