Zeleznik homers, but Baseball drops season-opener to Dubuque (Iowa), 6-4
By Tim Glon
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Ohio Northern baseball team fell to Dubuque (Iowa) 6-4 in its 2020 season opener at the Derby City Classic at Derby City Field.
The Polar Bears (0-1 overall) got a 2-run home run from sophomore Sam Zeleznik (Medina/Highland) to take a 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning.
The Spartans (2-1) scored three runs in the bottom of the third and another run in the fourth to grab a 4-3 lead.
Zalaznik scored on a sac fly from junior Michael Rocco (Orlando, Fla./Zionsville, Ind.) to tie the game at 4-all in the top of the seventh.
But DU got a 2-out, 2-run bloop single to right to break the tie and go ahead 6-4 in the bottom of the inning.
Sophomore Andy Mills (Cincinnati/St. Xavier) gave ONU a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when he singled, stole second, then scored from second base on a ground ball by sophomore Corey McMann (Flower Mound, Tex./Liberty Christian).
The Polar Bears will return to action on Sunday with games against Aurora (Ill.) and host Spalding (Ky.) on the final day of the Derby City Classic.