ASHLAND, Ohio - David Waters went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer in the second game Tuesday as Ashland University defeated Northern Kentucky University, 7-4, to complete a doubleheader sweep at Donges Field.
Waters hit a three-run homer in the second inning off NKU starter Mike Marksbury to give the Eagles a 7-0 lead. Ashland reached Marksbury for six hits and seven runs in three innings. Norse reliever Steve Thomas hurled the last three innings and did not allow a run.
Matt Wagers went 2-for-2 and scored two runs for NKU, which dropped to 28-22 overall. Craig Craddock also added two hits for the Norse offense.
In the opener, Josh Gaub went 4-for-4 with a homer and four RBI as Ashland posted a 13-4 victory over NKU. Bryce Bednarczyk was 3-for-4 and drove in three runs for the Eagles, who scored six times in the sixth inning to seal the win.
Ashland, which is ranked No. 1 in the latest NCAA Division II North Central Region poll, improved to 37-11 with the two victories. The Eagles are ranked No. 8 nationally in the NCAA Division II poll.
Conor McGeehan went 2-for-2 with a double for NKU in the first game, and Shaun Erie was 2-for-4. Brad Baker started for the Norse and gave up 12 runs - 11 earned - in five innings on the mound.
NKU will return to Great Lakes Valley Conference play at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday when Bellarmine University and the Norse meet in a doubleheader at Midland Field in Amelia, Ohio.
The doubleheader was moved to Amelia because Midland Field has lights, and the times were shifted to accommodate Bellarmine’s exam schedule this week.
NKU is 21-13 in the GLVC and in third place in the league standings. The Norse have clinched a spot in next week’s GLVC Tournament at Sauget, Ill., which begins on May 6.
The top six teams in the standings qualify for the GLVC Tournament.
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Matt Wagers |