Northern Kentucky University Norse baseball defeated Youngstown State on May 3 in the final game of their series, taking the win after splitting the first two games. The Norse secured a lead in the seventh inning and held on for a 7-4 victory at 717 Credit Union Field at Eastwood in Niles, Ohio.
The outcome was significant as it improved Northern Kentucky’s record to 22-24 overall and 11-10 in Horizon League play, while Youngstown State dropped to 10-36 overall and 7-11 in league competition. The game saw contributions from several pitchers and timely hitting from multiple players.
Youngstown State took an early lead with runs scored on an RBI double and a solo home run in the third inning, which led to Northern Kentucky starter Cody Little being replaced. The Norse bullpen responded by allowing only two earned runs over the remaining six and two-thirds innings. Alex Brazer tied the game for Northern Kentucky with a solo home run in the fifth inning, while Zach Pomatto put them ahead with an RBI single in the seventh. Jake Paulick added insurance runs with a two-run homer in the ninth.
Northern Kentucky used seven pitchers during the contest. Cody Little started, striking out three batters over 2.1 innings while allowing two earned runs. Tannis Lange provided strong relief with five strikeouts across 2.2 innings, giving up just one hit and one walk. Jared Teke earned his third win of the season after pitching 1.2 hitless innings without surrendering an earned run, while Gabe Stout struck out two batters but allowed a solo home run over his outing. Gerald Hanson finished off by retiring both batters he faced to collect his first save of the year.
Offensively, Jake Paulick led Northern Kentucky by going three-for-four at bat with a two-run homer, double, walk, and three runs scored. Marcus Harrison went two-for-four including a double, while Ethan Thomas also had two hits along with one RBI.
Looking ahead, Northern Kentucky is scheduled to return home for their next matchup against Miami Hamilton on Tuesday at 3 p.m.
