Derrik Moeves struck out 10 KWC batters

OWENSBORO, Ky. - The Northern Kentucky University baseball team lost a pair of one-run games at Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday, dropping a 1-0 verdict in the opener and a 6-5 decision in the nightcap.

In the opener, Kentucky Wesleyan’s Brandon Brooks tossed a two-hit shutout and struck out nine batters to outduel NKU pitching ace Derrik Moeves. Moeves, the Norse’s junior right-hander, scattered five hits and allowed just one unearned run in six innings.

The only run came as a result of a passed ball in the fourth inning. Tyson Martin led off with a single and advanced to second on an error. After going to third base on John Grana’s sacrifice bunt, Martin scored on the passed ball.

Kentucky Wesleyan left fielder Paul Richardson gunned down NKU’s Keith Jackson at home plate for the final out of the game in the nightcap to preserve the Panthers’ 6-5 win. Jackson attempted to score from second base on Alex Frank’s single with two outs in the ninth inning, but Richardson’s throw to catcher Chris Webb was in time to cut down Jackson at the plate and end the game.

Jackson went 3-for-4 with two runs batted in to lead NKU, which dropped to 23-19 overall, 15-9 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Frank was 2-for-4 at the plate, while Matt Wagers and Kory Lonergan each added two hits for the Norse.

Richardson went 4-for-5 with two RBI to pace Kentucky Wesleyan, which improved to 19-21 overall, 15-13 in the GLVC. The Panthers built a 6-2 lead after six innings, but NKU rallied for three runs in the seventh to pull within 6-5.

Jackson and Wagers each hit RBI doubles to spark the three-run seventh for NKU.

NKU and Kentucky Wesleyan will conclude the four-game series Sunday with a noon doubleheader.