CHICAGO, Ill. – Carroll University (11-23, 6-13 CCIW) got a great combined pitching effort and a late homerun to defeat North Park University (13-21, 6-12 CCIW) by the final of 3-1.

In what was a pitchers' duel through four and a half innings, North Park broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth.  With one out, three consecutive singles would plate the game's first run and give the Vikings the 1-0 advantage.

Late offense has been the norm for Carroll this season and Saturday would be no different.  Trailing 1-0 in the top of the eighth inning, Hunter Frey would single with two outs in the inning and score on a RBI double over the right fielder's head off the bat of Alex Kermendy to knot the game at one.

North Park would threaten in the bottom of the eighth inning but a 6-4-3 double play would get the Pios out of the jam and send the game to the ninth tied 1-1.

Sophomore Matt Putman would lead of the ninth drawing a walk to set the table for AJ Johnson.  Johnson would drive an 0-1 fastball over the right field fence for his seventh homerun of the year to give Carroll the 3-1 lead.

Logan Johnson, who had come in to get the final out in the seventh inning would work around a pair of fielding miscues in the ninth to lock down the victory for Carroll.

Andrew Stone started and was brilliant on the hill for the Pioneers. Stone would work six and two-thirds innings surrendering just one run while striking out six.  Stone carried a no-hitter into the fourth inning.

Logan Johnson (4-1) would earn the win in relief as he shut out North Park over his two and a third innings.

Juniors Hunter Frey and Jacob Langford paced the offense, both finishing the day 2x4 at the dish.

Game two was postponed due to rain and will be made up on a date to be determined.

Carroll University is scheduled to return to action as they host former MWC rival Ripon College in Waukesha on Sunday at 2pm.