HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Michael Stygles and Blake Griffith each hit three-run home runs sparking Oakland's eight-run ninth inning rally for a thrilling 9-6 win over Northern Kentucky to open Horizon League play on Friday afternoon at Bill Aker Baseball Complex.

Stygles led the way offensively for Oakland (7-5, 1-0 HL) going 1-for-1 on the home run with a walk and four RBIs. Griffith went 1-for-4 with a home run, walk and three RBIs.  Lorenzo Elion also contributed, going 2-for-4 with a walk and an RBI. Jacob Schellpfeffer (1-0) picked up the victory out of the bullpen in relief.

The Golden Grizzlies were trailing 4-0 in the seventh inning before Stygles drew a bases-loaded walk to get on the board.

Oakland trailed 4-1 before taking the lead in the ninth. After Stygles three-run shot, Elion delivered an RBI single to score Drew Collins. Tyler Trovinger followed with an RBI single to score Josh Dudden before Griffith's three-run bomb gave the Golden Grizzlies a 9-4 lead. Northern Kentucky (2-10, 0-1 HL) got a two-run homer to pull within 9-6 before Trovinger was able to get the final two outs to preserve the win.

The series continues with a doubleheader on Saturday, Mar 12 beginning at 11 a.m.

Game Notes:
» Stygles drove in four runs for Oakland.
» Oakland's highest-scoring inning was the ninth, when it pushed eight runs across.
» Oakland went 4-for-13 (.308) with runners in scoring position.
» Oakland pitchers faced 40 Northern Kentucky hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and 13 fly balls while striking out five.
» The Golden Grizzlies drew 11 walks from Northern Kentucky pitching.
» Stygles led the Golden Grizzlies at the plate, going 1-for-1 with a home run and four RBIs.
» Northern Kentucky was led offensively by senior Griffin Doersching, who went 2-for-5 with two home runs and five RBIs.





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