Recap: Kiel's Walk-Off Single Leads @NCBearsBaseball Over South Dakota State

Friday, March 9

Greeley, Colo.

1 pm

University of Northern Colorado

7-5

South Dakota State University

2-11

South Dakota State

Northern Colorado

3/9/2018 6:28:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

Northern Colorado baseball used a walk-off single from Alex Kiel to win 3-2 in extras

By: By Ryan Pfeifer, UNCBears.com

GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado baseball used an Alex Kiel walk-off single in the 11th inning to take game one of a four-game series this weekend against South Dakota State 3-2.

How it Happened
It was a pitcher's duel at Jackson Field Friday afternoon, as starters Isaac Bracken and Brady Stover allowed just five runners over the first four innings of play. South Dakota State scratched across a run first in the fifth inning. Phil Velez walked to reach base and came home after going station to station on a passed ball with two outs.

UNC evened the game at one when Evan Johnson hit a single to center scoring Cole Maltese who doubled in the at-bat just before Johnson. Northern Colorado took the lead late in the game when Austin Miller touched home plate on another Johnson single to center. Miller reached base with one out on a walk and moved into scoring position on a Maltese productive groundout.

SDSU forced extras by scoring a run in the top of the ninth. It was once against Velez who scored the run as he hit a two-out single to start the rally. He scored on a two-out single from leadoff hitter Gus Steiger.

Northern Colorado had the opportunity to end the game in the bottom of the ninth when they loaded the bases with two outs on a pair of singles and walk. Miller was unable to end the game though, grounding out to second and sending the games to extras.

The Jackrabbits put one on in the 10th but ended up going quietly in both innings allowing the Bears a chance to walk it off with just one run. That run came in the bottom of the 11th when Alex Kiel drove home Brett Minnick for the walk-off victory.

Game Changer
Alex Kiel delivered in the clutch for UNC with his walk-off single in extras. He was one of two Bears to finish the game with multiple hits, going 2-for-4 in the batter's box with an RBI and walk.

Stat to Know
UNC's pitching was dealing on Friday, whiffing 16 Jacks' while walking just four. Starter Isaac Bracken struck out nine in his 6.0 innings of work.

Game Notes
- Corey Nakakura picked up the win for UNC as he pitched a three up, three down top of the 11th.
- UNC stole four bases in the game, including a pair by Matt Burkart. The most important one came from Brett Minnick to put him in scoring position on Alex Kiel's game-winning single.
- Evan Johnson had a solid day at the plate going 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI.

What's Ahead?
Northern Colorado and South Dakota State continue its four-game series tomorrow with a doubleheader starting at 12 pm MT.

To stay up to date on all things UNC baseball, visit UNCBears.com and following the team on Twitter at @NCBearsBaseball.