PICTURED: Nate Simons
Despite 10 hits, including two extra-base hits, North Park couldn't find an answer for North Central's offensive barrage as the Cardinals plated five runs in the first inning in route to an 11-3 triumph in Naperville Monday.
In a game originally slated for Sunday afternoon but moved to Monday due to inclement weather, the Cardinals struck early and often as they raced to a 10-0 lead after six innings.
To their credit however, North Park didn't back down as it responded with a pair of runs in the seventh inning and one in the eighth. After a wild pitch allowed Nate Simons (double) to score, Anthony Bragg delivered a one-out RBI single to right field. An RBI single from Alec Strachota in the eighth then finalized the scoring for North Park as it unfortunately stranded 11 runners on base.
Both Simons and Ray Cekus connected for doubles and had a run scored while Simons, Cekus and Bragg all finished with two hits apiece.
Viking starter Mario Creecy suffered the loss on the mound as he worked 3 1/3 innings. He gave up two earned runs on eight hits while striking out two batters and walking one. Bobby Smith led North Central's offense as he finished 3 for 5 at the plate with a double and six RBI.
North Park (8-16, 2-6) looks to rebound tomorrow afternoon when it hosts Illinois Wesleyan in the final game of its three-game series at 4 p.m.
