Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
Robert Morris
Wildcats Topple Robert Morris, 12-8
4/22/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 22, 2008
Box Score
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Rob Campbell posted career highs of three hits and three runs batted in as Northwestern jumped out to an eight-run lead early and then cruised the rest of the way in defeating Robert Morris (Ill.) 12-8 Tuesday afternoon at Rocky Miller Park.
The Wildcats (14-17) led 11-3 after four innings as a total of 16 individuals saw playing time for NU. David Jensen got the start on the mound and picked up his first win of the season, surrendering two runs while striking out a pair over the first three innings.
Robert Morris (5-25) got on the board first as it posted a solo tally in the top of the second. After managing just one walk through the first six batters against Eagles starter Chris Murcheck, Northwestern finally got things going with two down in its half of the second.
Tony Vercelli was hit by a pitch before Campbell chased him all the way around to score on a double down the right field line. Max Mann followed with an RBI single before two runners moved into scoring position on a single by Jake Owens. A walk to Kenneth Avila loaded the bases before Mann scooted home on a wild pitch to make it 3-1.
Reigning Big Ten Player of the Week Jake Goebbert then contributed hit 18th double of the season to increase the advantage to 5-1. The two-base hit inched Goebbert closer to Kent McGuire's single-season record of 21 set in 1977.
Robert Morris got a run back in the top of the third prior to the Wildcats tallying three times in their half. Campbell, Owens and Avila all had run-scoring singles to increase their lead to 8-2.
Brian Morgan entered in relief for the 'Cats in the next half-inning and surrendered one run before NU stretched its lead to 11-3 in the bottom of the fourth. Jim Grieco drove in two with a double before Campbell chipped in his third run-scoring hit in as many innings to stretch the advantage to eight.
Evanston native Kevin Meyer enjoyed a homecoming with a three-run homer in the top of the fifth to get the Eagles within 11-6. Northwestern capped off its scoring in the bottom half on an RBI single to left by Chris Lashmet. Brant Cavagnaro contributed his first collegiate hit in the frame.
Mike Folan and Matt Gailey worked two innings apiece with each allowing one run as the Wildcats were able to rest a number of normal starters and hold on to earn their ninth win in the last 12 games.
Each team finished the contest with 15 hits. In addition to Campbell's three-hit effort, Avila, Mann and Owens contributed two hits apiece for NU.
The Wildcats return to action at 3 p.m. Friday when they open a four-game series with Ohio State at Rocky Miller Park.
