Vero Beach, FL –– The University of Northwestern Eagles (3-9) continued their Spring Break trip at Historic Dodgertown on Thursday against the Westfield State Owls (8-3). The Owls won 6-0.

The Owls jumped out to a 1-0 lead to start the game as they had back-to-back singles to put two runners in scoring position. An RBI groundout gave them the lead. Northwestern responded by putting two runners on base in the top of the second but a double play and strikeout ended the threat.

Northwestern again put pressure on the Owls in the third as the Eagles loaded the bases with two-outs, but they could not score. Westfield took advantage by putting up four runs of their own in the third. Three straight singles brought home two runners before two errors scored the other two.

Westfield scored their sixth and final run in the bottom of the fifth thanks to a hit by pitch, walk, and RBI single.

The Eagles had the bases loaded again in the eighth as they tried to claw their way back into the game. Back-to-back strikeouts helped the Owls go to the ninth up by six, and the Eagles did not threaten again in the ninth. 

Nick Drinken (Randolph, Minn./Randolph) got the start for Northwestern, and he pitched 6.1 innings and gave up four earned runs. He struck out five. Simon Theisen (Bedford, Texas/Euless Trinity) recorded the final five outs and only gave up one hit.

The Eagles had six hits and drew five walks. Mark Bligh (Sydney, Australia/Magdalene Catholic College), Benji Bruce (Minneapolis, Minn./Maranatha Christian), Isaac Pilon (Robbinsdale, Minn./Robbinsdale Armstrong), and Cannon Jackson (Mauldin, S.C./St. Joseph's Catholic) all reached base multiple times.

Up Next

The Eagles have a doubleheader against Lasell University on Friday back in Fort Pierce, FL. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 10:00 AM ET.