GLENDALE, Ariz. — Northwestern dropped a close season opener to Nebraska-Omaha 5-4 on Valentine's Day evening at Camelback Ranch.
Sophomore Mike Doherty got the start on the bump in the season opener for the Wildcats. He tossed three scoreless frames to start the game.
Michael Trautwein's arm was tested early as Omaha attempted to steal twice in the first three innings. To the dismay of the Mavericks', Trautwein was up for the test, throwing both runners out.
Northwestern quickly answered Omaha's fourth inning run with a homer from David Dunn, the first of Northwestern's 2020 campaign.
The following inning, Trautwein hit a two-run shot to deep left-center field driving in first-year Evan Minarovic to put the 'Cats ahead 3-1.
In the top of the 6th, the Mavericks scored four, but Northwestern avoided any further damage by leaving the bases loaded to end the frame.
Matt Gannon came in to pitch during the seventh inning with runners on first and second and no outs. After walking the first batter, Gannon struck out the next three hitters to strand the bases loaded.
The 'Cats tried to stage a comeback in the bottom of the seventh after a RBI double by Shawn Goosenberg with one out, but they were unable to string together a few hits to finish the job.
Chicago's Big Ten Team plays again tomorrow at Camelback Ranch, the Spring Training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox. NU will again battle Omaha as part of a three game series. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT, with Quinn Lavelle set to take the mound.
OF NOTE:
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!
Sophomore Mike Doherty got the start on the bump in the season opener for the Wildcats. He tossed three scoreless frames to start the game.
Michael Trautwein's arm was tested early as Omaha attempted to steal twice in the first three innings. To the dismay of the Mavericks', Trautwein was up for the test, throwing both runners out.
Northwestern quickly answered Omaha's fourth inning run with a homer from David Dunn, the first of Northwestern's 2020 campaign.
The following inning, Trautwein hit a two-run shot to deep left-center field driving in first-year Evan Minarovic to put the 'Cats ahead 3-1.
In the top of the 6th, the Mavericks scored four, but Northwestern avoided any further damage by leaving the bases loaded to end the frame.
Matt Gannon came in to pitch during the seventh inning with runners on first and second and no outs. After walking the first batter, Gannon struck out the next three hitters to strand the bases loaded.
The 'Cats tried to stage a comeback in the bottom of the seventh after a RBI double by Shawn Goosenberg with one out, but they were unable to string together a few hits to finish the job.
Chicago's Big Ten Team plays again tomorrow at Camelback Ranch, the Spring Training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox. NU will again battle Omaha as part of a three game series. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT, with Quinn Lavelle set to take the mound.
OF NOTE:
- Sophomore Shawn Goosenberg was 3-for-5 from the leadoff spot with an RBI and a double.
- First-year Evan Minarovic scored the first run of his Northwestern career in the 5th inning.
- Michael Trautwein has already matched his home run total from last year with his two-run shot in the 5th.
- Sam Lawrence tossed two hitless frames to finish the game for the 'Cats.
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!