Nikko nearly goes nine as Bearcats win in extras

Arkadelphia, AR - Nikko Pablo threw 8.1 innings of scoreless relief as Northwest defeated Henderson State 10-6 in 15 innings on Friday, February 10, 2017. In a back and forth baseball game through the first nine innings, Northwest tied the game 6-6 in the top of the 8th inning. The Bearcats would need 7 innings before they could score another run. In the mean time, Nikko Pablo came into the game and worked his magic to earn his first victory of the 2017 NCAA season. Despite a tough day defensively, the Bearcats settled down with Nikko on the mound to keep Henderson State off the scoreboard. Sprinkle in Landon Figg's monster day at the plate with several supporting cast members and Northwest is 6-0 and off to its best start since 1973 according to the Northwest Missourian newspaper.

15 innings. 8.1 innings of scoreless relief BY ONE GUY. 2 Bearcat home runs. 10-6. 6-0. Whew, the B2R needs a nap after this one, but my oh my, do I have a smile on my face. Attaboy 'Cats.

Offensively, Landon Figg was Northwest's most valuable player in the game. Landon went 5 for 8 (including a double) with with 2 RBIs on the day. Garrett Fort went 3 for 6 with 2 runs scored, 1 walk, and a sacrifice in the game. James Holler went 2 for 8 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored on the day. Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 7 (including a home run) with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 1 walk in the game. Luke Hassman went 2 for 3 on the day. Ozzie Adams went 1 for 6 (a home run), with 2 RBIs, 1 run scored, and 1 walk in the game. Alix Herrera went 1 for 5 (a double) with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 3 walks in the game. Logan Rycraft earned a walk, a RBI, and a run scored on the day. In total, Northwest scored 10 runs off of 18 hits, 9 RBIs, 8 walks, 9 strike-outs, and left 14 runners on base.

Defensively, Northwest committed 4 errors in the game.

Pitching, Joseph Hietpas earned the start against Henderson State. Hietpas worked 5.0 innings, allowed 4 hits, 4 runs (only 3 earned), 4 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 1 balk, and did not hit a batter in the game. In the 6th inning, Jacob Wagner came into the game. Wagner worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 2 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit one batter. With 2 outs in the 6th inning, Austin Battaglia came into the game. Austin worked 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 1 unearned run, and did not walk or strike-out anybody. With 2 outs in the 7th inning, Coach Loe called on Nikko Pablo to give the 'Cats a chance to win the game. Nikko was the star of the game. Nikko worked 8.1 innings, allowed 5 hits, 0 runs, 3 walks, 5 strike-outs, 2 wild pitches, 1 balk, and hit 2 batters. Two important things seemed to change when Nikko took the mound: Henderson State did not score any more runs and Northwest's defense settled down and made necessary plays. Coincidence? Not for 8.1 innings.

NWMSU Athletics' story on the game:  http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2017/2/10/baseball-henderson.aspx

Next for Northwest baseball - Your Bearcats conclude their season opening southern road trip on Saturday, February 11, 2017, and play Truman State at Noon in a single 9-inning game. The Bearcats will then return to Maryville for home-cooking and rest.

Go Cats!!

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