March 25, 2000
EVANSTON, Ill. - The Northwestern University baseball team came back twice on defending Big Ten champion Ohio State Saturday night. The second time proved to be the most important, as the Wildcats scored two runs in the ninth inning to defeat the Buckeyes, 7-6. The win gave the Wildcats the Homestead (Fla.) Challenge championship.
The win was the 12th in 15 games for the Wildcats since an 0-3 start. In addition, Northwestern has won seven of eight in Florida.
Junior catcher Joe Hietpas was named the tournament MVP after banging out three more hits, scoring three runs and knocking in two more Saturday night. For the tournament, Hietpas hit .539 (8-of-13) with 4 RBI and five runs scored. J.P. Williamson and Pat Thompson also knocked out three hits Saturday night as the 'Cats had 17 total -- the sixth time on this trip they have reached double figures in that category.
Dan Padgett got the start, allowing four runs in five innings with seven strikeouts. He was relieved by Ryan Bos and Michael Nall, who got the win with three no-hit innings.
Northwestern will conclude the Florida trip Sunday with a game against Central Connecticut.