Northern Illinois Falls Short to Western Michigan in High-Scoring Thriller
DeKalb, Ill. – In an intense offensive showdown, the Northern Illinois University (NIU) baseball team scored 15 runs but fell just short, losing 16-15 to the Western Michigan Broncos in a heartbreaker at Ralph McKinzie Field on Friday afternoon.
Despite a solid performance at the plate, NIU’s pitching struggles proved costly. Head coach Ryan Copeland lamented, "We swung the bats well and played good defense, but giving up 16 runs is tough. We need to find solutions on the mound."
The scoring kicked off with NIU leading 5-0 after two innings, thanks to a strong start including a two-run single from Ben Loyd and a two-run homer from Logan Gregorio, who recorded his 15th of the season. However, Western Michigan responded effectively, taking advantage of defensive errors and offensive power, particularly in a pivotal six-run seventh inning that shifted the momentum.
The Broncos narrowed the gap after a grand slam from Chris Akers and ultimately took a lead with back-to-back home runs from Avery Thielman and Lucas Rick. NIU attempted a furious rally in the ninth, with home runs from Charlie Parcell, Couchman, and Gavin Baldwin bringing them within one run. A potential game-tying fly ball from Cooper Cohn fell just short and was caught at the warning track.
Gregorio led the charge for NIU with a standout 4-for-6 performance, driving in five runs, while Parcell reached base five times. The two teams will face off again Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m., as NIU seeks to bounce back from this frustrating defeat.
–NIU–
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