NAPERVILLE, Ill. - In a closely contested matchup, the Elmhurst University baseball team fell to North Central by a final score of 2-1 in the CCIW conference opener Saturday afternoon.

Both teams saw strong performances from their starting pitchers, with runs coming at a premium throughout the game. Elmhurst tied the contest in the eighth inning, but North Central delivered the deciding run in the ninth to secure the walk-off victory.

Offensively, Elmhurst managed five hits, with Brett Vercruysse leading the way, going 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Evan Johnson provided the lone RBI, driving in Vercruysse in the eighth. Rock Smith, Adan Nieves, and Carson Gnade also contributed hits. On the mound, Charlie Smith delivered a strong performance, throwing seven innings while allowing just three hits, one run, and striking out four. Jonathan Boyles took the loss in relief, surrendering the game-winning run in the ninth.

The game remained scoreless through the first three innings as both teams struggled to find offensive momentum against dominant pitching. Elmhurst starter Smith kept North Central hitters off balance early, allowing only one baserunner in the first three frames.

In the bottom of the fourth, North Central broke the deadlock. After Austin Wienke reached base, Peyton Burgh came through with a key double to left-center, driving in the first run of the game and giving North Central a 1-0 lead. Elmhurst attempted to respond in the fifth and sixth innings but failed to capitalize on opportunities with runners on base.

The game remained a pitching duel until the top of the eighth when Elmhurst finally broke through. Vercruysse started the inning with a walk and later moved into scoring position. With two outs, Johnson delivered a clutch single through the right side, allowing Vercruysse to cross the plate and even the score at 1-1.

However, North Central had the final say in the ninth inning. Jackson Bland led off with a single, and Wienke and Burgh both reached base to load the bases. Henry Saul then delivered the game-winning hit, a single through the left side, bringing in Bland for the walk-off win.

UP NEXT

The Bluejays finish their two-game set with North Central next Wednesday, April 2, hosting the Cardinals at Butterfield Park for a 3:00 p.m. first pitch.

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