Northwestern Drops Close Contests in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Raiders battled in Saturday's doubleheader against Concordia (Neb.) but fell 4-1 in game one and 4-2 in the second game.

GAME 1: CUNE 4, NWC 1
Win: Alex Johnson
Loss: Devin Dirkx (5-4)
Save: None

How It Happened
The Raiders fell to Concordia 4-1 in the first game of the doubleheader on Saturday at Sherman Field.

Concordia took an early lead in the first inning. Jaeden Jordahl scored on Jake Watson's sacrifice fly, putting the Bulldogs ahead 1-0 after one inning.

In the fourth inning, Northwestern tied the game. Devin Dirkx reached first on a wild pitch after striking out, and TJ Silliman entered as a pinch runner. Bryce Click singled through the left side, allowing Silliman to score. However, Concordia quickly regained the lead with Zackery Day in the home half, scoring on Carson Burnett's RBI single, making it 2-1 in favor of the Bulldogs through four innings.

The game remained tight until the sixth inning when Concordia extended its lead. Carson Burnett doubled and scored on Alex Draper's RBI single. Jack Hirchert added another run with an RBI single, bringing the score to its final at 4-1.

Game Notes:

Ranier Castillo picked up two hits.
Bryce Click went 1-for-3 with an RBI.
TJ Silliman scored the Raiders' lone run.
Devin Dirkx threw six innings, striking out three batters in a 100-pitch effort.

GAME 2: CUNE 4, NWC 2
Pitching Decisions
Win: Caden Bugarske
Loss: Grant Rychnovsky (1-3)
Save: Warren Rose

How It Happened
Concordia completed the sweep of Northwestern with a final score of 4-2 in game two on Saturday. The Red Raiders managed six hits and stole five bases, but could not overcome the Bulldogs' seven-hit performance, which included a home run.

The Bulldogs took an early lead in the second inning with Carson Burnett scoring on a bases-loaded walk, making it 1-0.

In the third inning, Concordia extended their lead with a two-RBI single by Burnett, bringing the score to 3-0.

The Raiders responded in the fourth inning as Ranier Castillo singled and later scored on a single by Jack Craig. Grant Rychnovsky also came home on a sacrifice bunt by Bryce Click, narrowing the gap to 3-2.

Concordia added another run in the seventh inning when Jake Watson hit a solo homer, increasing the lead to 4-2.

Despite the Red Raiders' efforts, the game concluded with the Bulldogs securing a 4-2 victory.

Game Notes:

Ranier Castillo batted 2-for-4 and scored.
TJ Silliman and Jack Craig stole two bases each.
Craig picked up two hits on the day.
Bryce Click went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a steal.

Up Next: Northwestern will battle Midland in a four-game series next weekend, traveling to Fremont on Friday before hosting the Warriors on Saturday.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

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Players Mentioned

#27 Ranier Castillo: INF; 5' 8"; Junior; R/R

#35 Bryce Click: OF; 6' 2"; Senior; R/R

#10 Jack Craig: OF/RHP; 6' 1"; Junior; R/R

#23 Devin Dirkx: INF/RHP; 6' 3"; Senior; L/R

#4 Grant Rychnovsky: OF/RHP; 6' 2"; Sophomore; R/R

#1 TJ Silliman: UTL; 5' 7"; Senior; R/R

Players Mentioned

#27 Ranier Castillo
: 5' 8"; Junior; R/R
: INF

#35 Bryce Click
: 6' 2"; Senior; R/R
: OF

#10 Jack Craig
: 6' 1"; Junior; R/R
: OF/RHP

#23 Devin Dirkx
: 6' 3"; Senior; L/R
: INF/RHP

#4 Grant Rychnovsky
: 6' 2"; Sophomore; R/R
: OF/RHP

#1 TJ Silliman
: 5' 7"; Senior; R/R
: UTL