Northern Kentucky University Norse baseball lost its final regular season game to USC Upstate, 10-9, according to a May 16 announcement. The game took place at Harley Park in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The matchup was significant as it marked the end of the regular season for both teams and set the stage for postseason play. Northern Kentucky’s record moved to 25-28, while USC Upstate improved to 29-27.
USC Upstate gained an early lead and extended it through the third inning before Northern Kentucky responded with a five-run fifth inning. Josh Williams led the Norse offense with a two-run double that gave his team a temporary advantage. However, Norse pitchers allowed four runs in the sixth inning, putting USC Upstate ahead for good.
Northern Kentucky used five pitchers during the contest. MJ Castaneda was charged with the loss after allowing two runs over one and two-thirds innings. Ryan Gill also gave up two runs across two and two-thirds innings, while Tannis Lange finished strong by pitching one and one-third perfect frames.
Offensively, Northern Kentucky recorded thirteen hits in forty at-bats. Williams had an outstanding performance at the plate, going five-for-five with three runs batted in, including two doubles and a home run. Mark Nowak contributed by hitting three-for-five with a double, scoring twice and stealing two bases. Pierce Bauerle added a solo home run among his two hits.
Looking ahead, Northern Kentucky will begin Horizon League Championship play on Thursday against second-seeded Milwaukee at 11 AM in Dayton.
