EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern secured a 7-6 victory over Rutgers to even the three-game series on Friday afternoon at Miller Park.
INF Owen McElfatrick went 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored. McElfatrick collected his 200th hit in the sixth inning, a bases-loaded two-run double.
INF Nick Barron got the Wildcats on the board in the third with an RBI single to score McElfatrick and cut the lead to 3-1.
OF Jackson Freeman pulled NU even in the fourth with a two-run homer down the left-field line, his ninth long ball of the season.
The Scarlet Knights went back in front in the top of the sixth, plating a pair to take a 5-3 lead, but NU responded to tie it on McElfatrick's two-run double. Later in the inning, OF Marty Kaplan put the 'Cats ahead with an RBI groundout.
In the top of the seventh, RU evened the game again with an inside-the-park home run.
In the bottom of the seventh, Barron slugged his ninth homer of the season, a solo blast to left center, to put NU back in front for good.
RHP Drew Dickson (2-1) earned the win, allowing three runs on five hits, striking out two and walking two. LHP Jake Rifenburg (2) picked up his second career save, tossing 2.0 shutout innings, surrendering one walk and one hit, and striking out a pair. In his first career plate appearance, Rifenburg worked a walk in the eighth inning.
INF Owen McElfatrick went 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored. McElfatrick collected his 200th hit in the sixth inning, a bases-loaded two-run double.
Rutgers (25-28, 12-17 Big Ten) jumped out to an early lead in the third inning, going ahead 3-0 on three solo homers.SERIES EVENED ? pic.twitter.com/LgN0YovXxW
— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) May 15, 2026
INF Nick Barron got the Wildcats on the board in the third with an RBI single to score McElfatrick and cut the lead to 3-1.
OF Jackson Freeman pulled NU even in the fourth with a two-run homer down the left-field line, his ninth long ball of the season.
The Scarlet Knights went back in front in the top of the sixth, plating a pair to take a 5-3 lead, but NU responded to tie it on McElfatrick's two-run double. Later in the inning, OF Marty Kaplan put the 'Cats ahead with an RBI groundout.
In the top of the seventh, RU evened the game again with an inside-the-park home run.
In the bottom of the seventh, Barron slugged his ninth homer of the season, a solo blast to left center, to put NU back in front for good.
RHP Drew Dickson (2-1) earned the win, allowing three runs on five hits, striking out two and walking two. LHP Jake Rifenburg (2) picked up his second career save, tossing 2.0 shutout innings, surrendering one walk and one hit, and striking out a pair. In his first career plate appearance, Rifenburg worked a walk in the eighth inning.
Saturday's regular season finale is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT at Miller Park.1?? walk drawn
— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) May 15, 2026
2?? shutout innings
1?? save@JakeRifenburg stepped UP ????? pic.twitter.com/NyajJoBAao