Feb. 25, 2012
Site: Northridge, Calif. (Matador Field)
Score: Cal State Northridge 4, Northwestern 3
Records: NU (1-3), Cal State Northridge (3-2)
Next NU Event: Game 2 of doubleheader -- 30 minutes following Game 1
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -- Northwestern jumped out to a two-run lead but was unable to hold on, dropping the first game of a doubleheader at Cal State Northridge 4-3 in seven innings Saturday afternoon.
The Wildcats got on the board first in the top of the second as they took advantage of a pair of miscues by the Matadors. Colby Everett reached on a throwing error to start the frame. A sacrifice bunt and a failed pickoff attempt moved him to third before he scored on an RBI groundout by Nick Linne.
Cal State Northridge tied the game against NU starter Zach Morton in the bottom half of the inning on a run-scoring single by Adam Berry before the 'Cats got the lead right back in the top of the third.
Northwestern cashed in on control issues by Alex Muren as consecutive two-out walks loaded the bases before a third straight base-on-balls by Everett up the Wildcats up 2-1.
The scoring continued for NU in the fourth as Linne collected the team's first hit of the game to lead off the frame. The 'Cats would manufacture a run as Linne stole second, moved to third on a sac bunt and scored on a sacrifice fly by Luke Dauch to make it a two-run advantage.
Meanwhile, Morton settled into a groove, retiring eight of nine batters he faced during a stretch from the second through fifth innings. However, a one-out pinch-hit single in the fifth preceded back-to-back walks to load the bases. Morton got a strikeout for the second out of the inning, but Tommy Simis came through with a two-run single to tie the game, 3-3.
The Matadors would score the decisive run in the bottom of the sixth as Todd Eskelin hit a leadoff double, moved to second on a sac bunt and then scored on an RBI single by Barry.
Muren then set down the Wildcats in order in the top of the seventh, retiring the last 12 batters he faced. Morton took the loss, pitching all six innings, allowing seven hits and four walks while striking out six.
The nightcap of the twinbill was slated for 30 minutes following the completion of the first contest at approximately 3:15 p.m. Central time.
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