ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The North Park baseball team fell victim to a blow up first inning and dropped their opening game in the 2023 CCIW Tournament to third-seeded Millikin University on Wednesday evening. The Vikings will now face host and 17th-ranked Augustana College on Thursday, May 11, at 2:30 PM CT.
After a 1-2-3 North Park top of the first inning, Millikin put the game out of hand in its first trip to the plate. The Big Blue pounded out 11 hits and drew seven free passes to total 14 runs in the bottom of the first.
North Park manufactured runs on RBI singles from Alex DiVito in the second and seventh innings, Jim Zay's fourth-inning sac fly to score Carlos Martinez, and Ryan Moritsugu crossed the plate on a misplayed ball in left field.
However, the immediate deficit proved to be much too steep, as the Vikings lost their CCIW Tournament opener, 19-4.
Quick Hits:
- Reece Arakaki and Alex DiVito accounted for four of the Vikings' five hits
- Millikin's Niebrugge and Silvester both left the yard
- Seven Big Blue bats turn in multi-hit performances, including four with three-hit days
What's Next?
North Park is in a win-or-go-home situation tomorrow, May 11, when they face host Augustana College back at Swanson Stadium. First pitch is set for 2:30 PM CT.
