NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Carroll University (10-9, 0-7 CCIW) dropped both ends of a double-header on Saturday afternoon to North Central (11-6, 7-0 CCIW).
All day Carroll would struggle to stay out of the big inning defensively. In game one, a five run second and a four run fourth inning would led to an easy 11-0 victory for the host Cardinals.
Game two started well for the Pios as they would take the early 2-0 lead on a two-run single by Ryan Hetherington in the top of the first inning.
North Central would plate a run in the bottom of the second to cut the Carroll lead to 2-1. Starting pitcher Alex Morland would continue to progress in his return from Tommy John. Morland would work four and two-thirds innings, surrendering just one earned run on just two hits while striking out a pair.
North Central would break through in the bottom of the fifth as a dropped pop up would eventually lead to three unearned runs scoring in the inning to give the Cardinals the 4-2 advantage.
Carroll would respond in the top of the sixth. Matt Putman would single to lead-off the inning and walks to Hunter Frey and Hetherington would load the bases with one out. Zach Meyer would send a fly-ball to center field to score a tagging Putman to cut the lead to 4-3. Nolan Heck would walk to re-load the bases before freshman Robert Southworth, making his first collegiate start, would single up the middle to score Frey and even the score at four. Jacob Horner would put the Pios back on top with a walk to force home Hetherington and give Carroll the 5-4 lead.
Unfortunately, the inability to stay out of the big inning would again haunt the Pioneers late as a costly fielding error and three walks would eventually lead to a nine-run sixth inning for North Central. The Cardinals would follow-up with a three run seventh to put the game out of reach as they cruised to the 16-5 win.
Carroll will try and right the ship as they return to Naperville on Sunday for the third game of the series against North Central. First pitch is scheduled for 1pm.
