Northwest evens series, wins 16-8

Northwest evens series, wins 16-8

Edmond, OK - Your Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat baseball team unloaded on UCO to defeat the Bronchos 16-8 in Game 2 to even the series 1-1 on Saturday, April 23, in Edmond, Oklahoma. The game took 3 hours and 22 minutes to complete and was played in front of 233 fans in perfect 81 degree sunny weather. In a twist of irony, Northwest took UCO's script from Game 1 and used it against the Bronchos in Game 2 by scoring 4 runs in the 1st inning. Northwest then added 7 runs in the 4th inning for a comfortable lead for the rest of the game. Northwest's offense exploded for 16 runs & 16 hits in the game while Nikko Pablo put in his 3rd consecutive outstanding outing and picked-up the win for his efforts to see his 2016 record climb to 2-2. James Holler hit 2 home runs and picked-up 6 RBIs in the game.

The most important statistic was the Bearcats picked-up their 17th Conference win and moved their 2016 record to 22-19, 17-14 MIAA.

Offense - James Holler was Northwest's MVP in Game 2. Holler beat out several outstanding performances for the MVP honor. James "Holla-Holla-Holla" Holler hit 2 home runs and added a double in a 3 for 5 performance with 6 RBIs and 3 runs scored in the game. Also noteworthy, Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 6 (including a home run) with 5 RBIs and 1 run scored in the game. Ozzie Adams went 3 for 5 (with 2 doubles) with 2 RBIs, 4 runs scored, and 1 walk in the game. Garrett Fort went 3 for 4 with 1 walk, 1 stolen base, and 1 run scored in the game. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 5 with 1 walk and 1 run scored in the game. Jake Lewis went 1 for 5 with 1 walk and 1 run scored in the game. Nick Gotta went 1 for 4 with 1 walk and 2 runs scored in the game. Jay Hrdlicka went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI, 2 walks, and 3 runs scored in the game. Kolby Greenslade picked-up 1 walk and 1 RBI in the game. In total, Northwest scored 16 runs off of 16 hits, 15 RBIs, 8 walks, 5 strike-outs, and left 9 runners on base.

Defense - Northwest was charged with 3 errors in the game which led to 3 unearned runs in the game.

Pitching - Joseph Hietpas earned the start in the game. Joseph worked 4.1 innings in the game, allowed 6 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), 5 walks, 5 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter. Nikko Pablo came into the game in the 5th inning and did another outstanding job. In total, Nikko worked 4.2 innings, allowed 6 hits, 3 runs (only 1 earned), 0 walks, 5 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter in the game. Nikko picked-up the win for his effort.

NWMSU's Athletics website story - http://www.bearcatsports.com/boxscore.aspx?id=4367

Next - The rubber game is Game 3 on Sunday, April 23, 2016, at Noon, in Edmond, Oklahoma.

B2R projected magic number is 4.

Go Cats!!
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