Northern Kentucky University Norse baseball defeated Youngstown State on May 3 in the final game of their series, taking a late lead and securing a 7-4 victory at 717 Credit Union Field in Niles, Ohio.
The win matters for Northern Kentucky as it improves their record to 22-24 overall and 11-10 in the Horizon League. The team now looks ahead to upcoming games with increased confidence after clinching this road series.
Youngstown State initially led the game with an RBI double and a solo home run in the third inning, forcing Norse starter Cody Little out of the game. However, Northern Kentucky’s bullpen limited Youngstown State to just two earned runs over the remaining six and two-thirds innings. Alex Brazer tied the score for NKU with a solo home run in the fifth inning. Zach Pomatto gave NKU its first lead with an RBI single in the seventh. Jake Paulick provided insurance runs with a two-run homer in the ninth inning.
Northern Kentucky used seven pitchers during the contest. Cody Little started, striking out three batters over 2.1 innings while allowing two earned runs. Tannis Lange pitched effectively from relief, striking out five across 2.2 innings while giving up only one hit and one walk. Jared Teke picked up his third win of the season after throwing 1.2 hitless innings without allowing an earned run. Gabe Stout contributed by striking out two batters over 1.1 innings despite giving up a solo home run, while Gerald Hanson closed out by retiring both batters he faced to earn his first save of the year.
Jake Paulick led Northern Kentucky’s offense by going three-for-four at bat with a double, a walk, three runs scored, and his ninth-inning home run driving in two runs for extra support late in the game.
Looking ahead, Northern Kentucky will return home on Tuesday to face Miami Hamilton at 3 p.m.
