March 3

Box Score

Chuck Breitenfeldt's two-run single capped a five-run ninth inning outburst as Northland College rallied for a thrilling 11-9 win over Misericordia University in the first game of the Russ Matt Invitational in Port Charlotte, FL.

The Cougars took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third as they collected four hits.  After leaving nine runners on base in the first four innings, the LumberJacks finally were able to break through in the top of the fifth.

Matt Tanneberg led off the inning with a double.  With one out, Michael Cross walked and then was forced at second on a fielders choice by Corey Stibbe.  After Breitenfeldt walked to load the bases, senior Eric DeCaires roped a line drive down the left field line to plate Tanneberg and Stibbe.

The Jacks (1-2) responded with three more runs off three hits in the sixth.  Bryce Szymanski led off with a single and then scored on Mike Stevens single to center.  Stevens advanced all the way to third as the ball got past the Cougars' centerfielder.  Tanneberg's ground out to short scored Stevens and made the score 4-2.  With none on, Cody Carroll walked, stole second and then advanced to third on a Cross single.  After a Stibbe ground out and walk to Breitenfeldt, Carroll put the Jacks up 5-2 as he came across the plate on a passed ball.

Misericordia (2-3), after going scoreless for three innings, pushed across five runs on six hits in the bottom of the seventh to take a 7-5 lead.

In the top of the eighth, Carroll singled to center to start the inning and again stole second.  An infield single to short by Cross pushed Carroll to third.  After a strikeout, Cross stole second and Carroll stole home as he advanced on the throw to make the score 7-6.  The Cougars answered back with two runs on two hits and took advantage of a Jacks' error to take a 9-6 lead heading to the ninth.

Once again, the LumberJacks got the leadoff batter on as Casey Frantz walked.  Szymanksi was hit by a pitch and Stevens walked to load the bases.  Tanneberg ground out sharply to first to advance the runners and bring Northland within 9-7.  Carroll then delivered a game-tying two-run single to score Szymanski and Stevens.  Cross walked and Stibbe was hit by a pitch to load the bases for Breitenfeldt.  The senior from Tigerton, WI found the hole on the left side of the infield to plate Carroll and Cross.

Alex Tsomaya came in relief in the bottom of the ninth and retired the side in order to pick up the save and give Tyler Teadt the win.

Carroll went 3-5 with two RBI's and three runs scored.  Cross went 3-3 with three walks.  DeCaires added two hits as Northland had eight of their nine starters collect at least one hit.