PELLA, Iowa — Nebraska Wesleyan's baseball team waited until the ninth inning to strike, but when they did, it was decisive. The Prairie Wolves (17-13, 6-8 A-R-C) broke a scoreless tie with three runs in the final frame to take the series opener 3-0 over Central (14-16, 5-11) Friday in Pella, Iowa.
How It Happened
For eight innings, it was a pitcher's duel. NWU's Owen Duckworth (W, 1-3) was dominant, scattering four hits over eight shutout innings with 11 strikeouts. Central's starter matched him zero for zero until the ninth.
Then, the floodgates opened. Carter Betts worked a leadoff walk, setting the stage for Easton Johnson, who crushed a two-run homer to left, his fifth of the year, to break the deadlock. After a pitching change, Duncan Ortegan singled, advanced to second on a passed ball, and scored on Tommy Fiocchi's RBI single to right. Jack Carver added another hit, but the damage was done.
Brady Bell closed it out in the ninth, stranding two runners to secure the win and his fourth save of the season.
By The Numbers
Up Next
The Prairie Wolves look to clinch the series Saturday with a doubleheader at Central. First pitch is set for 1:00 PM.
