Northwestern Uses Big Third Inning to Blow by Beacons

Tuesday, May 14

Evanston, Ill.

3:30 p.m. CT

Northwestern

17-32

Valparaiso

14-35

Valparaiso

Northwestern

Photo by: Mary Grace Grabill/Northwestern Athletics

Northwestern Uses Big Third Inning to Blow by Beacons

5/14/2024 9:11:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score Highlights Photo Gallery

EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern put up five runs in the third inning en route to a 7-2 win over Valparaiso on Tuesday afternoon at Rocky and Berenice Miller Park.

Kicked off the Homestand with a BANG ?? pic.twitter.com/8zaa8YGSe2
— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) May 14, 2024

The 'Cats (17-32) grabbed the early lead on a solo shot to left field by Bennett Markinson in the top of the first inning.

BARK BLAST?? pic.twitter.com/uNC4GJQsxp
— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) May 14, 2024

In the bottom of the second, Vince Bianchina doubled the NU lead on an RBI single, scoring Trent Liolios. Valparaiso (14-35) got on the board with a solo home run by Alex Thurston, trimming the deficit to 2-1 in the top of the third.

The Wildcats responded immediately in the bottom of the third with five runs. NU added one run on an RBI groundout by Owen McElfatrick. Trent Liolios drove in Preston Knott with an RBI double down the right field line to stake the 'Cats lead to 4-1. Next batter, Lorenzo Rios crushed his first home run in a Wildcat uniform, a three-run shot to put the 'Cats up 7-2.

Zo Knows ?? @LRios44 pic.twitter.com/QLaSncC4Bk
— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) May 14, 2024

Valpo trimmed the lead with a solo home run in the top of the seventh before the Garrett Shearer slammed the door shut with a pair of scoreless innings.

Gallery: (5-14-2024) Baseball vs. Valparaiso

Kyle Potthoff was effective as the Wildcat starter, surrendering one run on four hits in 4.0 innings, striking out seven. Luke Benneche (3-2) earned the win, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit.

Kaleb Krier (1-7) allowed seven runs on eight hits, fanning a trio of Wildcats in 3.0 innings pitched.

The 'Cats close out the regular season with a three-game series against Minnesota at Rocky and Berneice Miller Park from Thursday to Saturday. First pitch on Thursday and Friday is set for 3 p.m. CT, with Saturday first pitch set for 1 p.m. CT.