MINNEAPOLIS — Lawrence fell to North Central University (Minn.) 9-6 on Friday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Lawrence (1-1) jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the first inning, but North Central (1-1) answered with a six-run swing across the fourth and fifth innings to take control.
The Vikings wasted no time getting on the board in the opening frame. Steven Baudendistel was hit by a pitch and stole second to start the rally. CJ Filipek was then hit by a pitch to put two aboard. Myles Brincks delivered with a single to second base to score Baudendistel.
Later in the inning, William Zatkowski ripped a triple to right-center field, bringing home Brincks and Sage Beebe-Jenny. AJ Desantiago followed with a double to plate Zatkowski and cap a four-run first inning for Lawrence.
The Vikings added another run in the second. Nolan Zurawski singled and advanced to third on a hit by Nathan Depew. Baudendistel was hit by a pitch for the second time in as many at-bats, allowing Zurawski to score and extend the lead to 5-1 after the Rams pushed across a run in their half of the inning.
North Central chipped away in the fourth, scoring three runs, including one that came home on a wild pitch. Lawrence responded in the bottom half when Tate Hartlaub crossed the plate on a bases-loaded walk drawn by Brincks, keeping the Vikings in front 6-4.
The Rams surged ahead in the fifth. A combination of walks and a Lawrence error led to three runs, giving North Central a 7-6 advantage. The Vikings were unable to answer in the bottom half.
On the mound, Ari Smolar-Eisenberg started and went three innings, allowing four hits and one earned run while striking out four. Nathan Zumbrunnen worked one inning, giving up three earned runs on two hits and two walks, including a double and a triple.
Liam Shackleton recorded one out while allowing one hit and three earned runs with three walks. Josh Moosey provided steady relief, tossing two-thirds of an inning without allowing a hit or run and striking out one. Ethan Sitter closed out the game with one inning of work, surrendering two earned runs on two hits and a walk while striking out two.
