Bears Advance With 5-3 Win Over Mavericks

Wednesday, May 20

Minneapolis, Minn.

5 p.m. MDT

University of Northern Colorado

17-36

Omaha

22-24

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Northern Colo.	0	1	1	0	3	0	0	0	0	5	9	0
Omaha	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	1	0	3	5	1

PC: Kylie Macziewski

5/20/2026 8:41:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score Mike Anderson Interview Reece Wagner Interview

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Northern Colorado baseball opened postseason play with a win on Wednesday night, taking down Omaha 5-3 at Siebert Field behind a balanced offensive effort and strong pitching performance.

The Bears used a decisive three-run fifth inning to break open a tight contest and never relinquished control, advancing in the postseason bracket with the victory and set to face fourth seeded South Dakota State on Thursday at 5 p.m. MDT at Siebert Field.

GAME SUMMARY: Northern Colorado struck first in the second inning before adding another run in the third to build early momentum. Omaha responded late with runs in the sixth and eighth innings, but the Bears' pitching staff held firm to secure the win. The turning point came in the fifth inning when Northern Colorado plated three runs, providing the cushion needed to outlast the Mavericks down the stretch.

OFFENSIVE HIGHLIGHTS: The Bears tallied nine hits on the night, with production throughout the lineup. Brett Barber led the way with a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and two stolen bases. Jaden Stone added a pair of hits and drove in a run, while Ethan Mooser delivered a key two-RBI hit to help fuel the pivotal fifth inning. Brandon Sanchez and Jake Bullard also contributed RBI's as Northern Colorado capitalized on timely hitting and aggressive base running, swiping four bases as a team.

PITCHING SUMMARY: Reece Wagner set the tone on the mound, tossing 7.0 innings while allowing just three runs on four hits and striking out six to earn the win. Out of the bullpen, Gus Allred and Logan Borboa combined to close out the final two innings. Borboa recorded the save, working through late pressure to secure the postseason victory. As a staff, the Bears limited Omaha to just five hits while turning two double plays defensively.

ON DECK: Northern Colorado continues postseason play on Thursday as the Bears look to build on their opening-round momentum against South Dakota State.

DIAMOND CLUB: The Diamond Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Baseball program. By giving to the Diamond Club, you help provide access to facility enhancements—such as the Jackson Field Turf Project—along with advanced technology and elevated daily operations, giving our student-athletes the resources to compete and excel at the highest level.

Give to the Diamond Club today!

FOLLOW THE BEARS: For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, visit uncbears.com. Follow the baseball team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsBSB) and Instagram (@UNC_BearsBaseball).