LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Craig Craddock collected three hits, including a run-scoring triple in the ninth inning, as Northern Kentucky University defeated Bellarmine University, 3-1, Wednesday afternoon.
Chris Osterkamp went 2-for-4 and had an RBI single in the seventh inning to snap a 1-1 tie. Osterkamp also doubled with one out in the ninth, and he later scored the insurance run when Craddock tripled.
NKU starter Chris Unkraut pitched eight innings and scattered six hits to pick up the victory. Unkraut had two strikeouts and upped his record to 3-4.
Justin Seiter relieved Unkraut in the ninth inning and recorded the save.
Josh Perkins and Keith Jackson each added two hits for NKU, which improved to 22-20 overall, 13-11 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Norse have now won three consecutive games.
NKU will hit the road for Quincy, Ill., this weekend to play Quincy University in a key three-game series. The Norse will meet the Hawks in a 3 p.m. Saturday doubleheader, followed by a single contest at 1 p.m. Sunday.
NKU began Wednesday tied for sixth place in the GLVC standings. The top six teams will qualify for the GLVC Tournament.
NKU is the defending GLVC Tournament champion.
Craig Craddock