Northern Colorado Falls in 11-Inning Thriller, Series Evened with Omaha

Saturday, March 21

Omaha, Neb.

3:00 p.m. MDT

University of Northern Colorado

4-21, 2-2

Omaha

8-12, 4-1

Northern Colo.

Omaha

3/21/2026 7:22:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

OMAHA, Neb. – Northern Colorado battled through an offensive back-and-forth on Saturday afternoon but ultimately came up just short in an 11-inning thriller, falling 12-11 to Omaha at Tal Anderson Field. With the result, the Bears even the series at one game apiece and will look to claim the rubber match tomorrow.

UNC jumped out to an early advantage, plating four runs across the first two innings to take control. The Bears capitalized on timely hitting and early pressure on the base paths, building a 4-0 lead before Omaha began to respond.

The Mavericks answered in the middle innings, highlighted by a three-run home run in the fifth to take their first lead of the game. However, the Bears responded in the sixth inning, erupting for five runs to regain momentum and build a 9-5 advantage.

Brandon Sanchez and Mason Griffin led the offensive charge, each delivering key extra-base hits. Griffin finished with three hits and three RBIs, including a game-tying home run in the eighth and a go-ahead RBI double in the 10th. Sam Pease added a standout performance at the plate as well, going 4-for-5 with two RBIs and three runs scored.

Omaha answered once again in the sixth with a five-run inning of its own, tying the game at 10-10 and setting the stage for extra innings.

After Griffin's RBI double in the 10th gave Northern Colorado an 11-10 edge, the Mavericks responded in the bottom half to extend the game. In the 11th, Omaha used a triple and a walk-off single to secure the 12-11 victory.

ON DECK: The Bears aim to take game three on Sunday and clinch the series against the Mavericks. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. MDT.

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