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DEKALB, Ill. – The Ohio baseball team (7-14, 5-4 MAC) split their double header against the Northern Illinois Huskies (5-17, 2-7 MAC) at Ralph McKinzie Field at Walt and Janice Owens Park today (March 26). The Bobcats rallied from behind in game one and won 16-12. Ohio's offense could not find that same spark they had and lost game two, 11-1.
Individually, junior Alec Patino (Sioux City, Iowa) led the way, going 6-for-9 with one double, one home run and three RBIs, scoring three times himself. Fifth year Mason Minzey (Grand Blanc, Mich.) was also a force to be reckoned with, finishing the day 4-for-8 with two home runs and three RBIs. Junior Cole Williams (Charlotte, N.C.) went 4-for-6, scoring twice while driving in one run.
On the mound, sophomore Hudson Boncal (Corona, Calif.) was credited the win, pitching four scoreless innings, and allowing three hits. Junior Trent Spoon (Bourbonnais, Ill.) opened game two, pitching four innings and allowing nine runs and recording four strikeouts.
GAME ONE
Northern Illinois struck first, opening with a three-run home run to get them on the board first. The Huskies continued to pile on to the runs, scoring an additional seven runs and leading 10-0 at the end of one. Senior Alex Finney (Oxford, Mich.) brought Ohio back to life with a two-run home run hit over the left field fence.
The Bobcats' offense ignited in the third, started with an RBI single from Minzey and followed by another RBI single from Williams, giving Ohio a 10-4. Junior Gideon Antle (Licking, Mo.) stepped up to the plate and crushed a grand slam, cutting Ohio's deficit to just two runs. Another RBI single capped off an impressive inning for the Bobcats, putting the score at 10-9.
After Northern Illinois drove in one run in the bottom of the third, Ohio's bats continued to be strong in the fourth. A two-RBI-triple from Finney tied the game at 11. Dolan gave the Bobcats their first lead of the day with a ground out, driving Finney across home plate. Patino continued to contribute to the offense, hitting a two-run homer to give the Bobcats the 14-11 lead. Kasperbauer followed with an RBI single, extending Ohio's lead to four runs. Minzey's strong offensive performance continued, ending the inning with a solo home run.
The Huskies scored one in the ninth, giving Ohio the victory 16-12.
GAME TWO
Minzey opened the game with solo homer down right field. The Huskies answered with seven runs in the first, putting Ohio down 7-1 heading into the second inning.
Northern Illinois added to their total in the fourth and fifth, scoring three more runs and going up 10-1. An RBI single concluded the scoring for the Huskies at 11 runs. Unable to score again, Ohio fell 11-1.
Up next, the Bobcats return to Bob Wren Stadium March 31- April 2 when they host the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Friday's first pitch is set for 6 p.m. ET.
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