ROCHESTER, Mich. — The Oakland Golden Grizzlies (3-17, 2-3 HL) fell to Northern Kentucky (10-11, 3-2 HL), 13-8, in game two of the series on Saturday at the Oakland Baseball Field. Oakland scored eight runs with a notable effort in the seventh inning, adding three runs for a late rally. However, Northern Kentucky capitalized on a powerful fifth and sixth inning, scoring five runs in each, to secure the win.

Sophomore Aidan Schuck delivered a standout performance, hitting a home run, a double, and a triple, while driving in three runs and scoring twice in his five plate appearances, just shy of hitting for the cycle. Fifth-year Kyle Revere contributed with three hits in five at-bats and scored twice, showcasing his impact at the top of the lineup as sophomore right-hander Wyatt Ruppenthal excelled on the mound, pitching three scoreless innings and earning three strikeouts without allowing a run in relief.

Oakland opened the scoring in the first inning with Revere reaching base on a single and then scoring on Schuck's RBI double to right field, tying the game 1-1 after Northern Kentucky had already scored on an unearned run in the top.

In the fourth frame, redshirt-senior Jack Lux singled down the right field line and advanced to second on an error, setting the stage for Schuck to hit a two-run homer to deep left field, bringing the game to a 3-3 tie.

The fifth inning saw the Norse take a commanding lead, scoring five runs on a series of hits and a wild pitch, leaving Oakland trailing 8-3.

Northern Kentucky extended its lead with five runs in the sixth before Oakland responded, starting with Schuck tripling down the left field line and scoring on a wild pitch. Later in the inning, redshirt-sophomore Tony Konopiots walked and scored on a passed ball after sophomore Sam Patton reached on a dropped third strike, narrowing the deficit to 13-5.

Oakland continued to fight back in the seventh inning. Revere singled and eventually scored on a wild pitch, followed by Lux stealing home. Grad senior Carter Hain also stole home to add another run as sophomore Andrew Landis distracted the Norse infield and was caught in a rundown to second base. Despite a strong effort by Ruppenthal, who pitched three scoreless innings to close the game, the team could not overcome Northern Kentucky's lead.

Senior Tanner Ware started on the rubber for the Black and Gold, pitching four innings, allowing six runs on seven hits while issuing only three walks and picking up three strikeouts. Junior Owen Thomson pitched 2/3 inning, giving up 2 runs on 2 hits before Grad senior Camden Cooper had a brief appearance, conceding four runs on two hits in just 1/3 inning. Redshirt-junior Ryan Donley came for one inning of work, surrendering just a run on four hits before Ruppenthal closed things down on the dirt.

Oakland and Northern Kentucky will play the series finale tomorrow, March 22 at the Oakland Baseball Field. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on ESPN+.


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