BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The North Park University baseball team opened its season on the road Friday night, falling to the fourth-ranked Birmingham Southern College Panthers 8-2.
Following a 1-2-3 trip to the plate for the Vikings, senior right-hander Matt Pizur got two quick outs with a strikeout and groundout. However, the Panthers tacked on a homer to right field before Pizur induced a flyout to end the inning.
Birmingham Southern added one more run in the third inning on an RBI groundout, taking a 2-0 lead into the fourth inning.
Unfortunately, the first Viking hit did not arrive until the sixth inning when junior first baseman skipped a single into right field. North Park was able to put a couple of runs together on some shaky defense from the Panthers, crossing the plate twice.
However, Birmingham Southern had already scored five runs on four hits in the fifth inning, adding one more run in the sixth inning on an RBI single.
Unable to get the offense going on opening day, North Park fell to No. 4 Birmingham Southern, 8-2.
FINAL: Birmingham Southern 8, North Park 2
Quick Hits:
- Senior shortstop Jake Reinhardt, Thomas, and sophomore outfielder Logan Peters marked the lone hits for the Vikings
- The Viking defense was strong, committing no errors on opening day
- Junior right-hander Brendan Russ worked 3.2 innings of relief, allowing just two runs and four hits
- Pizur totaled 4.1 innings of work with five strikeouts
What's Next?
North Park (0-1) will play their second of a three-game series with the Panthers, returning to Striplin Field tomorrow, February 22, at 1 p.m.
