May 14, 2009
Box Score
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Freshman right-hander Michael Jahns hurled five strong innings and left with a three-run lead, but the Northwestern bullpen was unable to hold off Michigan as it dropped the series opener between the teams 16-6 Thursday afternoon at Rocky Miller Park.
Trailing 3-0 entering the bottom of the fourth, the Wildcats exploded for six runs against Wolverine senior ace Chris Fetter to take a three-run lead. With one on and one out, Tony Vercelli became the second batter in the inning to be hit by a pitch. Chad Noble then set off a string of six consecutive singles by Northwestern. Kenneth Avila and Jake Wilson each drove in two, while Trevor Stevens brought home another. When Chris Lashmet reached on an error that sent in one more run, NU found itself ahead 6-3.
Jahns would strand a pair of baserunners in the top of the fifth to conclude his afternoon as he left with a three-run advantage.
However, NU turned things over to its bullpen in the sixth and Michigan responded with three runs to tie the game before tallying nine times in the seventh to pull away. The Wolverines did all their damage in the seventh despite collecting just four hits in the frame. Wildcat pitchers aided the visitors' cause with four walks and a hit batter.
Michigan would add one final run in the eighth inning to account for the final margin.
Jahns surrendered just three runs (two earned) over five innings of work in just his second collegiate start. He scattered six hits while walking two and striking out three.
Noble, Stevens, Wilson and Geoff Rowan had two hits apiece for Northwestern. Mike Dufek hit a pair of home runs, while Jake McLouth hit one for Michigan.
The teams are scheduled to continue their three-game series at 3 p.m. Friday at Rocky Miller Park.