Groovy Greenslade's Grand Go ahead Gives Glorious Bearcats walk-off, 5-4

Kearney, Nebraska - Kolby Greenslade shows that a little can do attitude goes along way as he hit a game winning double in the bottom of the 9th inning to score Jay Hrdlicka for a walk-off victory over the University of Nebraka-Kearney Lopers by the score 5-4. The game was moved to Kearney, Nebraska by agreement. Northwest's Eddy Kraber has been very impressive as the mid-week starter this season. Kraber had another quality outing in this game. Northwest's bullpen was even better as four relievers combined for 4 scoreless innings to give the 'Cats a chance to win the game. Garrett Fort had a terrific game in the field and in the batter's box against the Lopers. Fort has been a terrific leader in center field for Northwest and a huge offensive spark plug for the 'Cats this season. Fort set the table for the Bearcat line-up and the boys kept fighting until they walked-off the field with a victory. Northwest is now 21-10, 10-8 MIAA in 2017. The Bearcats are now in 8th place in the MIAA standings with Tuesday's victory.

Offensively, Garrett Fort was Northwest's most valuable player in the game. In total, Fort went 2 for 4 (including a double) with a stolen base and a run scored on the day. Ozzie Adams went 1 for 3 with a walk as Northwest's second baseman. Landon Figg went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI, was hit by a pitch, and a run scored in the game. Luke Hassman went 1 for 4 (a home run) with 2 RBIs and a run scored as Northwest's right fielder. James Holler went 1 for 4 (a home run) with 1 RBI and a run scored in the game. Jay Hrdlicka went 1 for 4 with a run scored as Northwest's catcher. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 with a walk as the Designated Hitter. Kolby Greenslade had the game winning double to drive in Jay Hrdlicka to win the game for our Bearcats. In total, Kolby went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI as the left fielder. Logan Rycraft went 1 for 3 as the short stop. In total, Northwest scored 5 runs off of 10 hits, 5 RBIs, 2 walks, 5 strike-outs, and left 3 runners on base.

Defensively, Northwest committed 2 errors in the game that resulted in 1 unearned run.

Pitching, Eddy Kraber earned the start and worked 5.0 innings, allowed 8 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 0 walks and 6 strike-outs. In the 6th inning, Quintin VanAckeren came into the game and had a fine outing. In total, Quintin worked 1.2 innings, allowed 1 hit, no runs, no walks and no strike-outs. With 2 outs in the 7th inning, Jacob Wagner came into the game and worked 0.1 of an inning, allowed 1 hit, no runs, no walks and 1 strike-out. In the 8th inning, Austin Battaglia came into the game and worked 0.2 of an inning. Battaglia allowed no hits, no runs, no walks and 1 strike-out in the game. With a runner on second and 2 outs in the 8th, Coach Loe called for Nikko Pablo to close out the game. Nikko induced a ground-out to second base to end the Lopers' threat in the 8th. In the 9th, Nikko forced the first Loper to ground out to third base for the first out. Nikko struck-out the second Loper for the next out. Nikko ended the inning when the third Loper batter grounded out first base to pitcher covering the bag. 

NWMSU's article on the game - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2017/4/4/baseball-unk.aspx

UNK's article on the game - http://www.lopers.com/news/2017/4/4/baseball-late-run-propels-northwest.aspx

Next - An absolutely huge weekend conference series for Northwest this weekend as your Bearcats host the Missouri Southern Lions in a 3-game series. Game 1 is Friday, April 7th at 3pm. Game 2 is Saturday, April 8th at 2pm. Game 3 is Sunday, April 9th at 1pm. Missouri Southern is in 7th place in the MIAA baseball standings. Your Bearcats are in 8th place by 0.5 a game. Expect a thrilling weekend of passion and intense MIAA Conference baseball by two proud squads.

Go Cats!!

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