UNK wins Game 3 to take the series

UNK wins Game 3 to take the series

Kearney, NE - The University of Nebraska - Kearney Lopers used a potent offense to out-slug the Bearcats to win Game 3 & the series on Tuesday in Kearney by the score 11-7. In a similar way to Game 1 of the series, the Lopers offense exploded to score 6 runs in the 3rd inning in this game. What was different in Game 3 was the Bearcats bullpen managed to stop the bleeding after the 3rd to give the Cats a chance to claw their way back into it. A highlight for Northwest in the game was Kevin Handzlik and James Holler. James Holler who hit 2 home runs in the game with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Handzlik hit 1 home run, 3 RBIs, 1 walk, 1 for 3 at the plate in the game. Another highlight for Northwest was the outstanding job out of the bullpen by Jimmy McElwain who worked 3.0 innings and did not allow a run to give the Bearcats a chance to claw back into the game. A concern from the game was Hondo Pearcy had to leave the game for some reason in the first. We all hope he is ok and the move was precautionary.

Offense - James Holler was the MVP for Northwest in Game 3 versus UNK. In total, Holler went 2 for 4 (with 2 home runs), 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored in the game. Nick Gotta also went 2 for 4 (including a double) with 1 RBI, 1 stolen base, 1 run scored and 1 walk in the game. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 (including a home run) with 1 walk, 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored in the game. Jake Lewis went 1 for 5. Garrett Fort went 1 for 4. Derek Meyer went 1 for 3 with 1 walk. Aaron Barratt went 1 for 3 (including a double) with 1 walk and 1 run scored in the game. In total, Northwest scored 7 runs off of 9 hits, 7 RBIs, 6 walks, 8 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base.

Defense - Northwest was charged with 2 errors which led to 2 unearned runs in the game.

Pitching - Hondo Pearcy earned the start in the game but had to leave in the 1st inning. I'm not sure the reason but hope it was precautionary to avoid an injury or aggravating some discomfort. In total, Hondo worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter. Nikko Pablo came into the game and picked-up the loss. In total, Nikko worked 1.1 innings, allowed 6 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 2 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 1 balk, and he did not hit a batter. Austin Battaglia came into the game and worked 1.1 inning, allowed 2 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), 2 walks, 1 strike-out, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he hit 1 batter. Jimmy McElwain came into the game and worked 3.0 innings, allowed 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 1 batter. Bryce Shea came into the game to close it out. Shea worked 1.2 innings, allowed 2 hits, 1 run (earned), 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Next - Northwest travels to Joplin to play Missouri Southern for a 3-game road series this weekend.

Go Cats!!

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