Northern Colorado baseball lost to North Dakota State on May 9 after a late comeback attempt was not enough to overcome a big seventh inning by the Bison at Newman Outdoor Field.
The outcome matters as it sets up a decisive rubber match in the series between the two teams. Northern Colorado’s efforts in the final innings showed determination, but North Dakota State’s five-run second inning and six-run seventh created an insurmountable lead.
Logan Pruski and Jake Bullard led Northern Colorado with two hits each. Pruski went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, while Bullard also finished 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Easton Bryant hit a three-run home run as part of his three-RBI performance. Mason Griffin and Brandon Sanchez each drove in runs for the Bears, who drew seven walks during the game.
Jake Storey started for Northern Colorado but allowed five runs over one and two-thirds innings. Ethan Louthan provided middle relief, pitching four and one-third innings while surrendering five runs. Jax Pfister and Mac Hibben closed out the game, with Hibben delivering a scoreless inning.
Despite improvements later in the game from their pitchers, Northern Colorado could not recover from North Dakota State’s early scoring outbursts. The teams will conclude their series on Sunday with first pitch scheduled for noon.
