NKU traveled down to Richmond, Ky and faced off against the Eastern Kentucky University Colonels. In their previous matchup, the Norse dominated in a 15-2 victory, with Gabe Miranda hitting two home runs and collecting six RBI’s.
The Norses offense started early with Tyler Shaneyfelt getting on base with a single followed by another single by Miranda. With two runners on base Josh Williams singled it to second base as Shaneyfelt scored to give the Norse the early 1-0 lead.
Gera Hanson took the mound for the Norse allowing his first batter, Diego Alana to line a single. Julious Scearce then reached base after being hit by a pitch. With two runners on base, Tait Nunnnally stepped up to bat and hit a double, driving in two RBIs as the Colonels took the 2-1 lead.
NKU went 1-2-3 in the top of the second. MJ Castaneda replaced Gera Hanson on the mound as EKU was up to bat. A fielding error allowed Goeneveld to reach third, but Hanson collected another strikeout to end the inning.
Bases were loaded for NKU in the top of the third as Shaneyfelt, Miranda and Nola Sparks all walked. Josh Williams hit a triple driving in three RBIs to give the Norse back the 4-2 lead. Nunnally hit his second double of the night to start the bottom of the third, but with two fly outs and a strikeout, The Colonels ended the inning empty handed.
Although the Norse drew a walk and were hit by a pitch, the Norse couldn’t capitalize with any hits in the top of the fourth, while EKU’s offense exploded when they took their turn up to bat.
Castaneda walked a batter and allowed another hit from Alana before Kirki replaced him at the mound. Scearce drove in Bejarano with a single as Alana advanced to second. Nunnally reached first on a fielder’s choice with the runner on second getting out, putting Alana in scoring position. Kurki then walked Silas Shaffer. Greg Caban drove in two RBIs, and with the bases loaded once again, Jackson Ginther hit a grand slam, giving EKU the 9-5 lead.
The Norse saw a quick fifth inning with Miranda being put out at first, a strikeout and a flyout. The Colonels were similarly quiet on offense as Jake Johnson took the mound for the Norse. He walked Alana, but the Norse put away the Colonels on a double play.
The Colonels put away the Norse in the top of the sixth inning allowing only two walks, no hits and no runs. Aaron Massie was impressive on the mound for the Norse, ending the inning with three straight strikeouts.
In the top of the seventh inning, EKU walked Miranda again and two wild pitches advanced him to third putting him in scoring position. WIlliams then drove in Miranda with a fly out, cutting the Norse’s deficit to 9-5. Massie allowed two hits in the bottom of the inning, but the Norse held them off the scoreboard.
Jake Altman led off the top of the eighth inning with a homerun, followed by three straight outs, yet the Norse still trailed 9-6. Ryan Pehrson took the mound for the Norse, handing the Colonels three consecutive outs, including two strikeouts.
The Norse could not get anything going on offense in the top of the ninth as they fell to the Colonels 9-6.
The Norse continue conference play this Friday as they travel to Youngstown State for a three-game series. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.