ROCHESTER, Mich. - Michael Stygles went 2-for-4 and delivered a clutch two-run single breaking a 3-3 tie with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning while Cam Post also recorded two RBI while hitting 1-for-3 with a walk to propel Oakland to a 5-3 win over Northern Kentucky on Sunday. The Golden Grizzlies have now won two consecutive series in Horizon League play.

Josh Dudden went 1-for-2 with a double and RBI while Ian Cleary connected on his third double of the season. Drew Collins also had a productive day getting on base at the lead-off spot going 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored. 

Hayden Nierman picked up his third victory of the season out of the bullpen for Oakland (15-24, 9-19 HL). The right-hander went 2.1 shutout innings while giving up one hit, allowing no walks and striking out three. Seth Tucker got the start throwing one scoreless inning while allowing no hits followed by Ben Paugh who also tossed one scoreless inning not allowing a hit with a strikeout. Brandon Deans also went 4.3 innings in relief.

Oakland got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the bottom of the first inning off an RBI single from Post, scoring Collins from second base.

NKU (15-25, 12-20 HL) rallied to score three runs taking a 3-1 lead in the seventh inning before the Golden Grizzlies got back on the board in the bottom half. Oakland's offense exploded with four runs on two hits as Dudden delivered a pinch-hit RBI double to score Brandon Heidal followed by a bases-loaded walk from Post to tie the game at 3-3 with two outs. Stygles then connected on what proved to be the game-winning hit with a two-run single to score Brenton Phillips and Collins giving the Golden Grizzlies a 5-3 lead.  

Nierman was then able to keep the Norse off the board in the eighth and ninth inning to secure the win.

Oakland travels to league leader Wright State for a four-game set beginning on Friday, May 14 at 3 p.m. 

Game Notes:
» Oakland's highest-scoring inning was the seventh when it pushed four runs across.
» The Golden Grizzlies out-hit the Norse at a 6-5 clip.
» Oakland pitchers faced 34 Northern Kentucky hitters in the game, allowing 11 ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out six.
» The Golden Grizzlies drew six walks from Northern Kentucky pitching.
» Stygles led the Golden Grizzlies at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
» Northern Kentucky was led offensively by sophomore Moss, who went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.
» Senior Meeks led the Norse pitching staff, throwing 1.1 shutout innings.


 
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