NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Carroll baseball dropped an 11–0 decision to North Central on Tuesday afternoon at Zimmerman Stadium as the Cardinals used timely hitting and strong pitching to pull away over the final innings.

North Central struck first in the opening frame, capitalizing on a pair of baserunners to plate two runs and take an early advantage. The Cardinals added a run in the third inning and another in the sixth to extend the lead before breaking the game open with a three-run seventh and a four-run eighth.

Carroll threatened at times offensively but was unable to generate sustained momentum. The Pioneers finished with six hits, including multi-hit performances from Justin Cusimano and Brody Ferko, while Joey Appino, Evan Becker, and Leo Matuga also recorded base hits. Carroll left six runners on base and was held scoreless despite several opportunities in the middle innings.

On the mound, Bryten Staab made the start and worked five innings, allowing three runs (two earned) while striking out one. Ben Olsen, Isaac Verbruggen, and Chayce Schultz provided relief appearances out of the bullpen as North Central continued to add runs late.

North Central's Payton Diaz earned the win, throwing eight scoreless innings while allowing six hits and striking out eight to keep the Pioneers off the scoreboard.

Carroll will look to bounce back tomorrow as they host Wisconsin Lutheran at 4:40pm at Frame Park, with conference play continuing this weekend.