Former Purdue North Central standout Chris Schultz signed a professional contract yesterday to play for the Schaumburg Flyers of the independent Northern League.

Schultz joins Steve Georgion and Steve Hudson as recent PNC baseball alumni who moved on to the professional ranks with the recent resurgence of the Panther program. Both Georgion and Hudson signed with the Slippery Rock Sliders of the Frontier League in 2007. Former PNC players Mike Lopez and Steve Cherry also signed independent contracts in the mid 90's.

Schultz, from Elgin, IL was named a 2009 Baseball First Team All-American by the NAIA in 2009 while manning centerfield for the Panthers. He was also tabbed CCAC Player of the Year while leading the conference in virtually every offensive category

The strong right hander hit .445 (85-of-191) with 14 home runs, 61 runs batted in and another 52 runs scored in 54 games played. He also boasted a .493 on-base average and a whopping .832 slugging percentage courtesy of 38 of his 85 hits going for extra bases (16 doubles, 8 triples, 14 home runs). Schultz was just as sharp defensively committing only one error in 152 fielding chances (.993).

“This is great news for Chris and the Panther program as he was stalwart for our team both on and off the field,” said head coach John Weber. “Frankly, we thought he should have been signed or drafted last year but for whatever reason it didn't happen.”

Weber has a good knowledge to base this on as Schultz is the 14 th player Weber has mentored that was signed or drafted into pro ball, including one who made it to the majors and another to Triple A.

“I thought Chris was at the level of the two guys who advanced the farthest,” said Weber. “He hits, hits for power, runs like the wind, has a strong arm, and is solid defensive player while playing multiple positions.”

Schultz is expected to play right field and bat in the middle of the line-up for the Flyers.

The Northern League continues to be acknowledged as the the pre-eminent modern era independent league. The most recent statistics from 2005 show over two million fans attended Northern League games, and the league average of 3,888 ranked as sixth highest among the 20 Minor Leagues, best among Independents.

The Purdue North Central baseball team dropped a doubleheader to Judson University Thursday afternoon in Elgin, IL. The Panthers conclude their season with an 11-37 overall record after finishing 7-23 in conference play.

In game one the Eagles scored six runs in the first inning and four in the second to jump out to a 10-0 lead. PNC pushed two runs across in the third, one in the fourth, three in the fifth and one in both the sixth and seventh innings but Judson added to their total with three more runs in the fifth and two in the sixth for the final score.

Larry Spore took the loss for PNC. He gave up six runs on seven hits in 0.2 innings of work. Tyler Nader pitched 1.1 innings in relief, allowing four runs on six hits. Tony Hoolehan came on in the third for the Panthers, giving up three runs on no hits and seven walks while striking out three in two innings. Kyle Ferber finished the game, yielding two runs (one earned) on three hits and two strikeouts in the remaining two innings.

The Panthers collected 11 hits overall and were led by Jeff Gaston with two hits (Double) and two RBI. Ryan Frost also continued his pace with a double and 2 RBI. Mark Myszkowski and Larry Spore both added two hits. Nate Bryan tripled and drove in a runner.

In game two the Panthers fell behind 5-0 after the Eagles put a crooked number on the board in the second. PNC managed to chip away with a run in the third and in the fourth before Judson responded with three more runs in the bottom half of the inning. The Panthers then scored three in the fifth but were held scoreless for the final two innings.

Shane Prance started and pitched three innings for the Panthers, giving up five runs (four earned) on five hits and four walks for the loss. Hoolehan pitched two innings of three hit, three run relief before Carl Chambers came on and threw a scoreless sixth inning.

PNC managed just five hits by four different individuals. One of those four was Ryan Frost, who will look to carry his impressive 29 game hit streak into opening day of next year.

The Purdue North Central baseball team fell to Judson University by the score of 14-4 in seven innings Wednesday afternoon in Westville. The Panthers now stand at 11-35 overall and 7-21 in the CCAC while the Eagles improved to 31-19 and 18-10.

Judson jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first with PNC answering back and cutting their lead to two with two runs in the bottom half of the first. However, with one run in the top of the third inning, six more in the fourth and three added in the fifth by Judson, the Panthers never really were able to recover and were held without another run until scoring two (too little too late) in the seventh.

The Eagles out-hit the Panthers 14-4 and had two triples and three doubles compared to the zero extra base hits they allowed to PNC. The Panthers also committed one error on defense.

Larry Spore (two singles, 2 RBI), and backstop Jeremy Davis (two singles, 1 run) led the Panthers with two hits apiece. Ryan Frost also collected a hit in one of his three at bats to further his hitting streak to 27 games.

Trace Howard took the loss giving up eleven runs (nine earned) on nine hits and four walks while striking out three in 4.0 innings. Kyle Otte came on in the fifth to relieve, allowing three runs on four hits in 3.0 innings.

The two teams play again tomorrow in a doubleheader at 4 p.m. in Elgin, IL in one last CCAC matchup of the year for PNC.

The Purdue North Central baseball team split a doubleheader with Trinity Christian College Saturday afternoon in Westville. The Panthers moved to 11-34 overall and 7-20 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, while the Trolls moved to 18-23 and 10-17.

In game one the Panthers took a 13-8 win in seven innings. PNC scored their runs on 14 hits and committed four errors while TCC had eight hits and also committed four errors. The Panthers scored two runs in the third, two in the fourth, six in the fifth and three in the sixth while the Trolls scored five runs in the first, one in the third and two in the fourth.

Shane Prance threw a complete game to earn the win for the Panthers. Prance gave up eight runs (five earned) on eight hits while walking four and striking out seven.

Jeff Gaston collected three hits (one triple) for the Panthers while Larry Spore, Jerry Vasile and R.J. Zambrano added two hits apiece. Zambrano doubled in one of his two hits and drove in three. Kyle Schiller (triple) and John Bugaski (Double) also collected one hit each. Bugajski batted in one runner on the game.

In game two the Panthers watched as they played from behind throughout the entire game and fell 8-5 in seven innings. PNC scored five runs on nine hits and committed three errors while TCC scored eight runs on seven hits and had two errors.

Toy Hoolehan pitched 2.1 innings to start the game, allowing three hits and six runs (five earned) to take the loss. Kyle Ferber relieved Hoolehan with one out in the third and pitched the remainder of the game, keeping the Trolls to two runs on four hits while striking out three for the Panthers.

Five players combined for all nine of PNC's hits. Ryan Frost led the way with three hits in four at bats (one double) and two RBI's to keep his hit-streak alive at 26 games. Jeff Gaston (triple, single) and Kyle Schiller (double, single) both contributed two hits each. Larry Spore and John Bugajski both added doubles, with Spore scoring two runs and Bugajski driving one in.

The Panthers will play again tomorrow at home when they host Judson University in a single nine inning CCAC game at 3 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team dropped 10-9 faceoff to Trinity Christian College Friday afternoon in Palos Heights, IL. The Panthers are now 10-33 overall and 6-19 in conference while Trinity Christian moved to 17-22 and 9-16.

The Panthers tied the game in the third inning 4-4, but TCC responded back and scored two runs in the fourth inning and one in the seventh to push them ahead 7-4. PNC again tied the game in the ninth after pushing across two in the eighth and one more in the ninth to send the game into extra innings 7-7. The Panthers took the lead right away in the top of the tenth by tacking on two more runs but the Trolls were not finished and scored three in the 10th for the come-from-behind victory.

PNC scored their nine runs on 13 hits and committed one error while the TCC scored 10 runs on 16 hits with six errors. The Panther stranded eight base runners, the Trolls 15.

Overall, the Panthers were led by John Bugajski who had three hits (one triple), one RBI and a run scored. Nate Bryan and Ryan Frost collected two hits and one RBI each. Both of Bryan's hits were doubles and Frost pushed his hit-streak to 24 games.

The Panthers sent Larry Spore to the hill to start the game. He allowed four runs in one inning of work before being relieved by Tyler Nader. Nader threw 4.1 innings, giving up two runs on three hits while walking eight and striking out one. Trace Howard and Carl Chambers also pitched in relief for PNC. Together, they gave up four runs on seven hits with five walks and one strikeout in 4.1 innings of work. Chambers took the loss in extra innings for the Panthers.

The Panthers will play again tomorrow when they host Trinity Christian College in a CCAC doubleheader at 12 p.m.

Ryan Frost a junior outfielder from St. John, IN (Lake Central High School) currently has a 23 game hit-streak active through Purdue North Central's past 25 games.

Frost has collected a total of 57 hits in 137 at bats and is currently batting .416 with four homeruns, 36 RBI, 13 doubles, one triple, six stolen bases and 26 runs while slugging .613.

During an "off" year where PNC's current record stands at 10-32 overall and 6-18 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, Frost has been one of the bright spots on a relatively young and inexperienced team and provides a glimpse of why the Panthers have every reason to be excited heading into next season.

"Ryan has been a tremendous leader on the field as well as off," said head coach John Weber. "He has provided the spark and leadership that our young team looks to build upon going into next year. We are really excited to have him back for another season."

The NAIA record for the most consecutive games with a hit is 54 set by Tommy Stewart at Southern Arkansas in 1995. Frost has a chance to add to his streak starting this afternoon when PNC travels to Palos Heights, IL to take on Trinity Christian College at 3:30 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team dropped a game to the University of Illinois-Chicago (NCAA, Division I) Tuesday evening in Chicago by the score12-1. The Panthers fell to 10-32 overall while the Flames improved to 14-22.

PNC was held to just four hits and were shutout until the top of the ninth when they managed to push one run across home plate. The Flames scored two in the first inning, one in the second, one in the fourth, six in the sixth and two in the eight.

Starter Shane Prance took the loss, allowing three runs on six hits in three innings of work while punching out three.

Tony Hoolehan pitched a one run fourth and fifth while Kyle Ferber came in to relieve the sixth, giving up two runs (zero earned) on three hits and one walk in one inning of work. Carl Chambers threw a scoreless seventh, striking out two. Chuck Meyers completed the game with one inning of two-hit, two-run relief.

Mark Myszkowski led the offensive attack with two of PNC's four hits. Ryan Frost added a hit and one RBI to bring his hit-streak to 23 games. Nate Bryan added a hit (triple) and a run.

PNC plays again Friday when they travel to Palos Heights, IL to take on Trinity Christian College. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team fell 10-9 to Olivet Nazarene University Saturday afternoon in Bourbonnais, IL. The Panthers fell to 10-31 overall and 6-18 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference while Olivet moved to 25-13-1 and 16-7.

The Tigers scored their ten runs on 13 hits while taking advantage of three Panther errors. They scored four runs in the fourth inning, two in the fifth, one in the sixth, two in the eight and one in the ninth and left 11 men on base.

The Panthers scored their nine runs on 13 hits and scored three runs in the first inning, one in the second and again in the third, two in the fourth and two more in the ninth while leaving 13 men on base. Olivet committed four errors and struck out just three Panthers overall.

Tony Hoolehan pitched 4.0 innings giving up six runs (three earned) on six hits while striking out six and walking one. Trace Howard allowed no runs in his 0.1 innings of relief on one walk. Kyle Ferber threw three innings of relief, giving up three runs on four hits. Carl Chambers finished the final 1.1 innings with one run on three hits and four walks.

Offensively, the Panthers were led by Ryan Frost with two hits, both doubles, and 3 RBI's while Jeff Gaston and R.J. Zambrano added two hits each. Gaston doubled and drove in three while Larry Spore added a run on three hits.

The Panthers will play again on Tuesday when they travel to Chicago, IL for a matchup against the D-I University of Illinois-Chicago Flames at 7:05 p.m.

The PNC baseball team fell in a doubleheader to Olivet Nazarene University Thursday afternoon in Westville. The Panthers lost the first game 12-4 and fell 12-0 in game two. The Panthers are now 10-30 while Aquinas improved to 6-18.

In game one Shane Prance started the game on the bump with four innings, allowing seven runs (five earned) on eight hits while striking out five.

The Panthers mustered just four runs on 10 hits and committed two errors while Olivet scored twelve runs on 15 hits and committed one error. PNC scored two runs in the fourth, one in the sixth, and one in the seventh while the Tigers scored two in the second and five in the fifth and sixth innings.

Offensively, the Panthers were led by Ryan Frost with three hits and one RBI. Larry Spore and Jeff Gaston added two hits. Doubles were turned in by Mark Myszkowski and Gaston.

In game two Larry Spore took the loss in a complete game, allowing twelve runs (four earned) on 11 hits while striking out four.

The Panthers were shutout and managed just five hits while committing three errors. PNC left six runners stranded on the base paths.

Jerry Vasile doubled and represented the Panther's only extra base hit in the game. Larry Spore, Nate Bryan, Ryan Frost and R.J. Zambrano all had singles. Bryan and Frost both recorded a stolen base.

The Panthers play again Saturday at 12:30 p.m. verses Olivet Nazarene in Bourbonnais, IL. The scheduled starter for the Panthers is Tony Hoolehan.

The Purdue North Central baseball team dropped a doubleheader to Aquinas College Wednesday afternoon. The Panthers lost the first game 8-3 and fell 6-4 in game two. The Panthers are now 10-28 while Aquinas improved to 20-14-2.

In game one the Panthers threw starter Mark Myszkowski, who allowed eight runs on nine hits in a five-inning effort. Carl Chambers came on in the sixth and struck out all three Aquinas batters he faced.

The Panthers collected seven hits and wasted several scoring opportunities, leaving six men on base. Jeff Gaston led the Panthers with two hits while Ryan Frost and Jerry Vasile both drove in a run and collected a single apiece.

John Bugajski added in the only extra base hit for PNC while Nate Bryan stole the Panther's lone base, his sixth on the year.

In game two the Panthers mustered just one run more as Aquinas scored one run in the first, two in the second and fourth innings and then one in the sixth for the difference in the game.

Tyler Nader (0-2) took the loss, allowing all five runs on eight hits and three walks. Chuck Meyers and Tony Hoolehan came on and recorded 1.1 innings of one-run relief, allowing three hits while striking out one.

The Panthers will play again tomorrow at home when to take on Olivet Nazarene University in a CCAC conference doubleheader at 2 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team swept a doubleheader from Indiana University Northwest Sunday afternoon in Westville, winning the first game 13-2 in five innings and the second game 20-10 in six innings. The Panthers now stand at 10-26 overall.

In game one Trace Howard pitched five strong innings, allowing just two runs (zero earned) on two hits while striking out eight.

The Panthers scored their first three runs in the first inning, added six more in the second and four in the fifth. Overall, PNC collected tens hits with four different players collecting two hits each. Nate Bryan doubled and stole two bases while driving in five Panther runners. Jeff Strbjak doubled and singled, driving in two runs in as many at bats. Ryan Frost and Larry Spore also collected two hits for PNC and drove in one run each.

In game two the Panthers handed the ball to Tyler Nader, who allowed five runs in one inning of work on four hits and three walks. Kyle Ferber came on in the second and pitched the remaining five innings in relief to earn the victory.

The Panthers trailed 10-9 entering the bottom of the sixth. PNC bats came alive and punched across 11 runners to not only take the lead but to end the game.

Overall, the Panthers collected 18 hits, led by four apiece from Jeremy Davis and R.J. Zambrano. Zambrano drove home three of PNC's 20 runs, Strbjak and Bryan each drove in four of their own. Bryan was also active on the base paths with a stolen base in the game.

PNC plays again Wednesday when they travel to Wyoming, MI to take on Aquinas College. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. eastern time.

The Purdue North Central baseball team dropped a doubleheader to Saint Xavier University Saturday afternoon at home by the scores of 19-3 and 10-2. The Panthers fell to 8-26 overall and 6-15 in the CCAC while the Cougars improved to 24-12-1 and 12-6.

In game one the Panthers fell behind 7-0 after one inning of play. SXU scored seven in the first inning, three in the third, eight in the fourth and one in the fifth to end the game. PNC mustered one run in the second and two in the third inning, but this was not nearly enough to keep the game alive before five.

Starter Kyle Ferber allowed six runs on five hits in the first inning before being relieved by Chuck Meyers. Meyers yielded seven runs on seven hits, while walking four and striking out six in three innings of work. CJ Rowe finished out the last two innings and gave up six runs (two earned) on three hits, while ringing up one.

Jerry Vasile and Jeff Gaston led the offensive attack with two hits apiece. Gaston doubled in three at bats while Vasile knocked in one, scored one and doubled in three plate appearances. Mark Myszkowski added one hit and one RBI while Kyle Schiller added an RBI single.

In game two SXU jumped out to another 5-0 lead after one inning of play as PNC's defense faltered again. Saint X added single runs in the third, fourth and sixth innings and. PNC scored two runs in the seventh for the final 10-2 score.

Larry Spore took the loss after allowing seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and three walks while striking out four. Shane Prance struck out one in 3.2 innings, giving up three runs (one earned) on four hits.

The Panthers mustered three hits with Spore picking up two RBI and adding a SB. Nate Bryan and Mark Myszkowski provided the other two hits while Kyle Schiller drove in one in four at bats.

PNC plays again when they host Indiana University Northwest in a home double header on Sunday at 11 a.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team moved to 8-23 overall and 6-12 in the CCAC following a 12-11 conference victory verses Calumet College in Gary Wednesday evening.

Carl Chambers received the starting nod and pitched the first 2.0 innings to pick up the victory. He allowed five runs (two earned) on two hits, while striking out four.

Trace Howard relieved Chambers in the third, giving up three runs on four hits and striking out one. Chuck Meyers closed out the last four innings, yielding three runs on six hits while punching out six batters.

The Panthers were led on the offensive by multiple PNC players: Ryan Frost (4 RBI, 1 Run, Triple), John Reberger (HR, 1 RBI, 1 Run), R.J. Zambrano (HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs). Larry Spore also doubled in one of his three hits at the dish to drive in a runner and crossed home plate twice for the Panthers.

The Panthers scored one run in the third and seven in the fifth, one in the sixth and three in the eighth to take the lead once and for all.

The Panthers play again on Friday when they travel to Chicago, IL to play Saint Xavier University in a 3:30 p.m. CCAC matchup.

The Purdue North Central baseball team dropped a doubleheader to the Ashford University (IA) Sunday afternoon in Westville. The Panthers dropped to 7-23 overall following the 3-1 and 6-2 non-conference setbacks.

In game one Ashford scored one run in the second inning and two in the third to jump out to a 3-0 lead. PNC pushed one run across in the fourth inning for the final score.

Tony Hoolehan took the loss for PNC. He gave up three runs (two earned) on seven hits and three walks while striking out four in seven innings of work.

The Panthers collected five hits overall and were led by Jeff Gaston with two hits, including a double. Ryan Frost, Kyle Schiller and R.J. Zambrano all had one hit each.

In game two the Panthers fell behind 2-0 after Ashford scored two runs in the second inning. PNC scored one in the fourth and one in the sixth but Ashford responded back with one of their own in the fifth, two in the sixth and one more in the seventh.

Trace Howard started and pitched six innings for the Panthers, giving up five runs (two earned) on seven hits, while striking out six. Tyler Nader pitched the final inning in relief, yielding one run on two hits. He struck out one.

PNC managed eight hits by five different individuals. The only extra base-hits were again by Gaston (triple), and Ryan Frost (Double). John Bugajski drove in the other run with a sacrifice fly.

The Panthers play again on Wednesday when they travel to Whiting, IL to play Calumet College of St. Joseph in a 3:30 p.m. CCAC matchup.

The Purdue North Central baseball team was swept in a CCAC doubleheader Saturday afternoon verses the University of St. Francis. The Panthers fell to 7-21 overall and 5-12 in conference while the Fighting Saints improved to 17-11 and 9-5.

In the first game St. Francis won 19-1 in five innings while collecting 20 hits in the romp. Meanwhile, PNC committed more errors than their total number of hits, 3-2.

PNC's lone senior, Mark Myszkowski (0-3) took the loss, giving up 13 runs (6 earned) on 14 hits and 2 walks while striking out one in 3 innings. Junior John Bugajski made his first career appearance on the mound for the Panthers and gave up 6 earned runs on 6 hits and a walk in 1 inning.

Both of PNC's hits came in the first inning as Junior Ryan Frost had an RBI double that gave the Panthers an early 1-0 lead. Frost drove in freshman Larry Spore who reached on a lead-off double.

It was more of the same in game two as the Saints won 11-1 in five innings. The Panthers managed 5 hits but committed three more errors. St. Francis collected 8 hits and took advantage of 6 walks.

PNC scored their only run in the fourth inning while the Saints pushed three across in the 2 nd and 4 th innings, scored one in the 3 rd and 4 in the 5 th inning to seal the victory.

Sophomore Shane Prance (1-5) took the loss, giving up 10 runs (9 earned) on 8 hits and 5 walks while striking out 2. Freshman Chuck Meyers made his 10 th appearance of the season and gave up a walk and a hit to finish the game.

Frost led the Panthers again with 2 hits while freshman Jerry Vasile drove in the only run with an RBI groundout. Sophomore Jeff Gaston reached twice with a hit and a walk while junior Nate Bryan added a triple and a run.

The Panthers return home tomorrow when they host Ashford University (IA) in a doubleheader at 12 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team was defeated 9-3 by St. Francis University Friday afternoon in Westville. The Panthers dropped to 7-19 overall and 5-10 in the CCAC while the Eagles improved to 15-11 and 7-5.

The Fighting Saints took advantage of the game by belting out 15 hits offensively. Five of those 15 extra base hits were doubles. St. Francis also shut down the Panther offense by limiting them to just three runs despite 10 PNC hits. The Panthers also left seven runners stranded on the game.

St. Francis scratched the scoreboard with three runs each in the second and fifth innings, one in the seventh and two in the eighth. PNC scored three runs in the first two innings but were then held scoreless throughout the remainder of the game.

Four Panther players collected two hits in the game: Nate Bryan (2 RBI), Jeff Gaston, Jeff Strbjak and Larry Spore (1 Run). Ryan Frost also contributed with an RBI double for his only hit in four at bats.

Kyle Ferber took the loss for PNC, giving up nine runs on twelve hits and one walk while striking out four in 7.1 innings. Carl Chambers came in to finish the remaining 1.2 innings, yielding no runs on three hits.

The Panthers and Fighting Saints play again tomorrow in a doubleheader slated for 11 a.m. in Joliet, IL.

The Purdue North Central baseball team swept Calumet College of St. Joseph in a CCAC doubleheader Tuesday afternoon in Westville by the scores of 16-10 and 10-5. The Panthers are now 7-18 overall and 5-9 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference while the Crimson Wave fell to 3-27 and 2-11.

In the first game the Panthers had 20 hits as seven of their nine hitters collected two hits apiece or more. Jeff Strbjak exploded at the plate with four hits in five at bats and five RBI. Jerry Vasile also had four hits in the game. He drove in two batters and came across the plate to score three times. Five PNC players collected two hits apiece: Nate Bryan (RBI, 2 runs), Ryan Frost (HR, 3 RBI), Jeff Gaston (4 runs), Larry Spore (1 run), and and Mark Myszkowski (RBI).

The Panthers used Tony Hoolehan to get through the first 5.2 innings. He allowed eight runs on seven hits and five walks while striking out seven. Chuck Meyers came in to record the final out in the sixth. He yielded two runs on one hit and one walk in the process. Trace Howard closed out the final inning for PNC, giving up no runs, no hits and no walks while punching out one batter.

In game two the Panthers were again led by Strbjak who homered, singled and drove in three. Nate Bryan had a big day at the dish and was just a home run shy of the cycle. He drove in two more runners for PNC. Kyle Schiller also powered the Panthers with a triple and a single in three at bats, while driving in four. Frost and Gaston had two hits each for the hardballers.

Larry Spore received his first starting nod on the bump. He allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and five walks while striking out three. A dominant Trace Howard came on to relieve the remainder of the game, yielding just one run (none earned) on four hits and one walk while striking out one.

The Panthers play again on Friday when they host the University of St. Francis in a CCAC contest at 3 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team was swept in a doubleheader by Robert Morris College Monday afternoon in Westville, IN by the scores of 12-6 and 5-4. This game was originally rescheduled after Saturday's rainout. The Panthers are now 5-17 overall and 3-8 in the CCAC while the Eagles improved to 4-7 and 17-10.

In the first game PNC collected two doubles and eight hits overall to Robert Morris's five doubles and 13 hits.

Panther Ryan Frost led the way with a home run in four plate appearances. Jeff Gaston and Nate Bryan collected two hits each with Bryan scoring two times. Jeff Strbjak, Kyle Schiller and Tyson Blattner all combined for three hits and three RBI.

Mark Myszkowski took the loss, pitching 5.1 innings of six run, six hit ball, walking four while striking out three. Chuck Meyers followed in relief giving up six runs on six hits and striking out one in 1.2 innings of work.

In the second game a 4-4 score in the ninth took the game into extra innings. Starter Shane Prance went an impressive 9.1 innings of five run, six hit ball and punched out six Eagle hitters. Prance took the loss after Trace Howard was given the ball with one out in the tenth and the game on the line. The Eagles caught a break off of three wild pitches from Howard to take the lead and later win the game. Howard went 0.2 innings, allowing one hit.

The Eagles also capitalized off of PNC's offensive woes. The Panthers managed ten hits, but left 12 runners stranded compared to the Eagle's five.

Frost led the way again with three hits in five at bats and drove in one. Nate Bryan and Larry Spore chipped in with two hits apiece. Gaston, Strbjak and John Reberger all collected hits as well.

The Panthers play again at home on Tuesday when they take on Calumet College of St. Joseph in a CCAC double header. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team was defeated 6-0 by Robert Morris College Friday afternoon in Bensenville, IL. The Panthers dropped to 5-16 overall and 3-7 in the CCAC while the Eagles improved to 16-10 and 3-7.

The Eagles shutout the Panthers while pounding out 10 hits to beat PNC in nine innings. The Panthers managed just three hits, four walks, one hit batter and left seven men on base.

Robert Morris scored one run in the second, three in the sixth, and one each in the seventh and eighth innings. PNC was unable to get much going all day and had no extra base-hits.

Ryan Frost led PNC's offense with two hits. Jerry Vasile collected a hit for the Panther's third.

Kyle Ferber took the loss, giving up six runs (five earned) on ten hits and two walks while striking out three in 8.0 innings.

The Panthers and Eagles play again tomorrow in a doubleheader slated for 1 p.m. in Westville.

The Purdue North Central baseball team fell to Illinois Institute of Technology by the score of 18-17 on a windy Wednesday afternoon in Westville. The Panthers now stand at 5-15 overall and 3-6 in the CCAC while the Scarlet Hawks improved to 6-8 and 6-3.

IIT jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the first and scored four more in the second. However, PNC answered back with one run in the bottom of the inning and added six more in the second to narrow the lead to 9-7.

The Scarlet Hawks continued on their torrid pace scoring three in the third, three in the fourth, two in the fifth and one more in the sixth to widen their lead to 18-7 going into the bottom of the sixth.

The Panthers answered in the sixth scoring eight runs to cut the lead to 18-15. The heavy scoring then subsided for the next two and a half innings with neither PNC nor IIT scratching the scoreboard.

PNC caught fire again in the bottom of the ninth to score two more runs but it was too little too late as the Panthers fumbled to come up with the tying run.

The Scarlet Hawks out-defended the Panthers on defense committing only three errors to the Panthers nine. PNC also left 13 runners stranded on base to IIT's seven. Both teams collected 16 hits in the game.

Jeff Gaston and Ryan Frost powered the Panther offense. Gaston homered twice and drove in four RBI. Frost also homered on one of his three hits and brought home four more PNC runs. Jerry Vasile led the team with four hits and 2 RBI in the game. Mark Myszkowski and John Reberger both added two hits and 1 RBI each.

Six Panther pitchers toed the rubber throughout the game. Starter Tony Hoolehan gave up five runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out one in 1.0 inning. Tyler Nader came on in relief early but was unable to record an out, yielding four runs (one earned) on one hit and two walks.

Trace Howard took the ball next for PNC and lasted just 2.1 innings, giving up six runs (four earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out one. Carl Chambers was next in line for the Panthers, throwing 2.0 innings and giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits while striking out one batter.

Chuck Meyers and Shane Prance finished off the game in relief and stopped the bleeding for the Panthers. Meyers threw 2.1 scoreless innings while giving up one hit and striking out three. A dominant Prance gave PNC one last chance to score some runs by also preventing the Scarlet Hawks from crossing home with one hit and three punch-outs in 1.1 innings of relief.

The Panthers play again Friday at 3:30 p.m. in Chicago, IL in a nine-inning CCAC matchup against Robert Morris College.

In the first game pitcher Kyle Ferber nailed down the win and reliever Shane Prance picked up the save. Ferber allowed all three runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out two in five innings. Prance pitched the final two innings and didn't allow a hit, walking one and picking up a strikeout.

The Trojans outhit the Panthers 9-7 but stranded nine runners on the basepaths.

PNC's offense was led by Ryan Frost and R.J. Zambrano who each had two hits and one RBI apiece. Jeff Strbjak, Jerry Vasile and Mark Myszkowski each singled to round out the Panther's seven hits.

In the second game Trace Howard picked up the victory throwing 5.1 innings. The young righty allowed just one run on three hits and three walks while striking out two. Lefty reliever Chuck Meyers came in to close out the remaining 1.2 innings to earn the save. Meyers did not give up a run, hit or walk while striking out one Trojan.

The Panthers managed just six hits and one extra basehit. Nate Bryan doubled, walked and drove in a run on the game. Frost singled and also collected an RBI for PNC. Strbjak, Bugajski and Zambrano all contributed with one hit each. John Reberger had a pinch-hit single and Larry Spore came on to pinch run for a stolen base.

PNC plays again Wednesday when they host Illinois Institute of Technology in a single nine-inning conference matchup beginning at 3:30 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team was defeated 11-1 by Trinity International University Friday afternoon in Deerfield, IL. The Panthers dropped to 3-14 overall and 1-5 in the CCAC while the Trojans improved to 10-10 and 3-2.

The Trojans took advantage of the Panthers early with four runs in the first inning and pounded out 10 hits overall to win the game by the 10-run rule in seven innings. The Panthers managed just two hits, no walks, and left five men on base.

Trinity scored four runs in the first, two in the fifth, two in the sixth and three in the seventh. PNC scored their lone run in the fifth inning with an RBI by designated hitter Jerry Vasile.

Jeff Gaston and John Bugajski each had singles to get PNC their two hits. Bugajski scored a run and also stole a base on the day.

Tony Hoolehan took the loss, giving up eight runs (seven earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out three in 5.0 innings.

Carl Chambers followed with three runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk in 1.1 innings.

The Panthers and Trojans play again tomorrow in a doubleheader slated for 12 p.m. in Westville.

The Purdue North Central baseball team was swept in a doubleheader with Illinois Institute of Technology Tuesday afternoon in Chicago, losing the first game 5-3 and dropping the second 10-1. The Panthers are now 3-13 overall and 1-4 in the CCAC while IIT improved to 3-7 and 3-2.

In the first game the Panthers were locked in a pitcher's duel through the first four frames before both teams scored three runs apiece in the fifth. The Scarlet Hawks then took the lead for good with two runs in the sixth.

Jeff Gaston led the Panther offense with a hit (double) in the fifth that brought in two for the Panthers. Ryan Frost and R.J. Zambrano both collected two hits with Frost's driving in one runner. Nate Bryan also reached base twice in the game with a single and a walk.

The Panthers had six hits overall while the Scarlet Hawks collected 10 off of two different PNC pitchers.

Trace Howard started for PNC, giving up three runs (three earned) on six hits and one walk while punching out three in 4.2 innings. Tony Hoolehan gave up two runs on four hits while striking out two in 1.1 innings and took the loss.

In the second game Illinois Tech scored five runs in the first inning to set the tone and added four more in the third while PNC scored their lone run in the second.

Chuck Meyers started the game and ended up with a line of five runs on four hits with four walks and one strikeout in 1.1 innings to take the loss. Shane Prance followed by recording 1.2 innings of work and gave up four runs (two earned) on five hits with one walk while striking out one batter. Carl Chambers, Tyler Nader and Kyle Ferber all threw one inning each, combining to give up one run (zero earned) on two hits and one walk with two strikeouts to finish the game.

The offense finished with four hits and couldn't seem to string anything together as the Scarlet Hawks went the entire game without relinquishing a single free pass.

Larry Spore drove in the Panther's lone run with an RBI single in the top half of the second. Frost, Myskowski and Blattner all had a hit each to round out the PNC offense.

The Panthers will play again on Friday afternoon when they travel to Deerfield, IL to take on Trinity International University. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

In the first game pitcher Kyle Ferber picked up the victory with seven strong innings. The right hander gave up three runs (one earned) on five hits and no walks.

The Panthers collected nine hits and were led by Jeff Gaston and R.J. Zambrano who each had two hits, including an RBI by Gaston. Nate Bryan added an RBI double and Mark Myszkowski contributed a hit and two runs.

In the second game Shane Prance started and took the loss, giving up six runs (four earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out four in 3.0 innings. Steve Bryan followed in relief and went two innings, surrendering two runs on three hits while walking one batter. Chuck Meyers pitched a hitless sixth walking one.

PNC's offense sprayed seven singles Saturday in this second game and was led by Jeff Strbjak, Nate Bryan and Jeff Gaston who all had one hit and one RBI apiece. Kyle Schiller contributed with two hits and John Reberger added a hit of his own.

The Panthers will play again on Tuesday when they travel to Chicago, IL to take on Illinoise Institute of Technology in a CCAC doubleheader at 1 p.m.

The Purdue North Central baseball team was defeated 5-4 by Cardinal Stritch University Friday afternoon in Westville. The Panthers dropped to 2-10 overall and 0-1 in CCAC while the Wolves improved to 2-11 and 1-0.

Cardinal Stritch took advantage of the Panther's three errors early to take the lead in the bottom half of the first. The Wolves pounded out 10 hits and sent five runners across the plate before PNC managed to plate their first run of the game in the top half of the seventh.

Cardinal Stritch scored one run in the first, one in the fourth and three in the sixth. The Panthers scored all of their runs in the seventh and ninth innings, bringing home two runs in each of those innings.

This close game one proved to be a battle of arms early in the game. Tony Hoolenhan received the starting nod for the Panthers but took the loss, giving up five runs (three earned) on nine hits and four walks while striking out four in 5.2 innings.

Trace Howard followed surrendering no runs on one hit and no walks while striking out one in 2.1 innings of work.

Ryan Frost led PNC's offense with a two-run homer, and Mark Myszkowski added two hits and contributed one RBI on the afternoon.

The Panthers and Wolves play again tomorrow in a doubleheader slated for 12 p.m. in Westville at Hicks Field.

Kyle Ferber was handed the ball to start the game and pitched 2.1 innings, giving up eight hits, six runs (six earned), one walk and two strikeouts before being relieved by Mark Myszkowski. Myzskowski threw 3.2 innings in relief and kept the Panthers in it with four strikeouts. Shane Prance threw in the last inning for PNC, yielding four runs (three earned) and striking out one.

Despite the final line, the Panthers were in this one throughout every part of the game, but just could not manage to hold the opposing team. PNC went into the last inning with the game tied 9-9 before surrendering a Grand Slam to Bethel that ultimately left the game 13-9.

PNC then had two of their games rained out against Madonna University and Eckerd College on Friday and washed off the remaining water leftover from the previous day’s storm and played two Saturday against Dordt College.

The Panthers were defeated 2-0 in game one and dropped to 1-7 on the trip.

Both teams left their bats at home as the two team's pitchers dueled during the first five innnings. PNC's starter Tony Hoolehan went six innings, giving up four hits, two runs (one earned) and striking out seven.

Hoolehan's performance was not enough to overcome three defensive errors and a lack of hitting for the Panthers as they were shutout by the opposing team's pitchers.

PNC only mustered four hits in the game. Ryan Frost, Jeff Gaston, Nate Bryan and Kyle Schiller all had one hit each offensively for the Panthers.

In game two the Panthers defeated Dordt College 15-8 to improve their record to 2-7.

Shane Prance received the nod to start game two on the hill for PNC. He threw 3.1 innings, giving up six runs (six earned), six hits and striking out five. Larry Spore and Kyle Ferber pitched in relief and allowed just five hits and 2 runs in the remaining 3.2 innings of work.

The Panthers got off to a quick start in the bottom half of the first inning with their first three batters reaching base and scoring in the inning. They later added four more to their total in the next inning and scored two runs or more in every inning except the sixth from there on out.

Every PNC hitter collected a hit in the lineup, R.J. Zambrano homered in the fifth and drove in three. Ryan Frost collected three hits in the game and Jeff Gaston and Nate Bryan drove in three each as well.

Purdue North Central looked to keep the fire burning and build off their one game winning streak when they added two games to the end of their trip to make up for the two rainouts earlier in the week.

The first game was played against Dakota Wesleyan who beat the Panthers 16-12, dropping PNC's record to 2-8 overall.

Offensively, Jeff Strbjak collected a hit in each of his four at bats at the plate and drove in three runs. Jeff Gaston and John Bugajski had three hits apiece. Bugajski drove in four runners and Gaston one. Ryan Frost and R.J. Zambrano hats two hits each. Nate Bryan and John Reberger both added hits of their own.

The Panthers led through four innings but the pitching staff again had trouble holding down the lead. Starter Trace Howard threw 3.1 innings, surrendering 11 hits and six runs (five earned) while striking out one. Carl Chambers relieved Howard in the fourth to get two quick outs before walking the first two batters in the fifth. This gave way to reliever Mark Myszkowski who labored through 3.0 innings, giving up eight hits, 10 runs (eight earned) while striking out three.

PNC concluded their trip in a final nine inning matchup against Doane College. The Tigers defeated the Panthers 22-15 and sent them packing with a 2-9 record to conclude their Spring Trip.

Steve Bryan, Tyler Nader, Kyle Otte and Chuck Meyers all threw mulitples innings on the mound. In his 2.2 innings of work on the mound, Meyers gave up two hits and struck out seven Tiger batters in relief.

At the plate, Kyle Schiller collected three hits, Jeff Gaston, Larry Spore and John Bugajski all had two apiece. Tyson Blattner had one hit and drove in three. Gaston and Bugajski and David Heath all drove in two baserunners on the day.

The Purdue North Central Baseball team will look to build off of their Spring when they head home and face Cardinal Stritch University in a three game set starting Friday March 19 and concluding Saturday March 20th.

These first three games will be the start of conference play for the Panthers. Friday's game starts at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday's game features a double header starting at 12 p.m. All three games are at home for PNC and are played on campus at Hicks Field.

The Purdue North Central baseball team enters the 2010 season with a new identity following another standout season in 2009.

Last season the Panthers made their fourth straight post-season appearance, joining St. Xavier as the only Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference program (11 teams) to accomplish this feat. PNC finished 31-24 overall and 21-9 in the CCAC, good for 2 nd place. They were eliminated in the National Tournament in Azusa, CA.

Over the last four seasons the Panthers have had the highest winning percentage of the 11 NAIA programs in the state of Indiana. They have also had the eighth highest winning percentage of the 34 collegiate programs at any level in the state.

This year the Panthers will rely heavily on a youth movement after a near complete turnover from last year's team. The team features just one senior, five juniors, seven sophomores and 11 freshmen.

The lone senior, Mark Myszkowski (Hanover Central HS, St. John, IN), is expected to be a jack of all trades for PNC. The energetic leader has played every position on the field during his career for PNC and expects his biggest impact this year to be at catcher and pitcher. Last season the versatile righty batted .303 as the Panthers top positional back-up and ended the year as a reliable reliever with 10 appearances overall.

Staying with the catcher position, sophomore Jeff Gaston (Chesterton HS, Chesterton, IN) is expected to make a big impact after being limited due to an injury last season. In 2009 Gaston hit .214 in 42 at bats but connected for 3 doubles and 2 HR's.

Newcomers Jeremy Davis (fr., Hobart HS, Hobart, IN) and Ryan Frost (jr., Lake Central HS, St. John, IN) are also expected to see time behind the dish. Davis is a left-handed stick who can also play the infield, while Frost's primary position will be in the outfield.

The infield will feature two experienced players and several newcomers hungry to prove themselves.

At first base, the Panthers expect sophomore Jeff Strbjak (Andrean HS, Munster, IN) to lead the charge after hitting .341 as a freshman while serving primarily as the designated hitter. The big right-hander added 9 2b's, 1 3b and 26 RBI in 129 at-bats.

Junior College transfer John Reberger (Vincennes CC,) will fill in for Strbjak and will contribute mostly as a designated hitter. The lefty hit .283 with 1 HR and 2 2b's last season while knocking in 12 runs.

The other three infield spots feature players that are versatile and mobile. Although all can handle multiple positions, junior R.J. Zambrano (Merrillville HS, Merrillville, IN) expects to start at third base and brings the most experience along with Strbjak. Zambrano batted .346 last year (27 for 78) with 3 2b's and a 3b in 44 games, including 24 starts. As a freshman, Zambrano batted .317 (45 for 142) in 44 starts.

Freshman Tyson Blattner (Chillicothe, MO) is expected to start at shortstop after sitting out his freshman year at Longview CC (MO). The knowledgeable righty should battle for the lead-off spot on offense as well.

Second base is a contest between freshmen Kyle Schiller (Portage HS, Portage, IN) and red-shirt freshman Jerry Vasile (Valparaiso HS, Valparaiso, IN). Either way, the Panthers expect to have a freshmen tandem up the middle with the possibility of Zambrano adding his veteran experience to the mix. Both Schiller and Vasile had strong fall seasons and are looking for an opportunity to make their mark.

Freshman David Heath (Hebron HS, Hebron, IN) will also pick up some playing time as a back-up at all positions.

The outfield brings back some experienced players but will have three new faces patrolling the grounds.

Junior John Bugajski (Munster HS, Munster, IN) has been a key back-up the past two years but has earned his first starting role. He had nearly 100 at-bats the last two seasons combined, including in key situations, He brings needed experience to the line-up. Bugajski can play all three outfield positions but will mostly be on the corners in left and right field.

Centerfield will be patrolled by junior college transfer Nate Bryan (Griffith, IN, Ancilla CC). Last season at Ancilla, Bryan hit .364 with 11 2B's, 1 3B, 6 HR's and 30 RBI in 132 at bats. The rangy right-hander brings size, speed and athleticism to the position.

Rightfield should be manned by Frost (Lake Central HS, St. John, IN). Frost sat out last year after transferring from Marietta College in Ohio. He hit .327 with 6 2B's, 1 3B and a homer in 27 appearances, including 16 starts.

Freshman Larry Spore will add some athleticism and a left-handed stick to the outfield and expects some quality time when not pitching. Fellow freshman Stephan Ames (Union Mills, IN, South Central HS) will be a back-up. Schiller, Vasile, Zambrano, Myszkowski and Gaston could all see outfield time as well.

The pitching staff is young but appears to be a strength for the Panthers. As mentioned, Myszkowski will work primarily out of the pen with a chance for some spot starts. He is expected to do everything but sell the popcorn for the Panthers this season.

PNC doesn't have any junior pitchers, so will rely on a bevy of sophomores and freshmen to lead the way.

Sophomores Tony Hoolehan, Kyle Ferber, Shane Prance, Carl Chambers and Tyler Nader will lead the second year players.

As a freshman Hoolehan (Andrean HS, Dyer, IN) finished 5-2 with a 5.50 ERA in 36 innings pitched. Opponents batted just .297 against the southpaw as he gave up 41 hits, struck out 26 and walked 20 in 14 appearances, including 5 starts.

Ferber (Boone Grove HS, Valparaiso, IN) was 2-1 with a 5.79 ERA in 28 innings. In 9 appearances, including 4 starts, he struck out 16 and walked just 7 batters.

Prance tallied 24.1 innings and finished 1-1 in 10 appearances, including 4 starts. He held opponents to a .292 average while racking up 16 punch-outs and walking 21.

Chambers (Andrean HS, Valparaiso, IN) is another left-hander and transferred in from John Logan CC after not playing last season due to injury. As a freshman he finished 3-1 in 20.2 innings over 10 appearances. He struck out 19 and walked 12 while finishing with a 6.53 ERA.

Nader (Wheeler HS, Valparaiso, IN), the third lefty sophomore, pitched just 2 innings in 3 appearances before injuring his foot and sitting out the rest of the year last season.

Many freshmen newcomers are also expected to make an immediate impact, including Trace Howard, Steve Bryan, Kyle Otte, Chuck Meyers and Spore.

Howard (Clark HS, Hammond, IN) and Bryan (Portage, Portage, IN) bring their whippy frame and three-pitch ability to the staff and should pick up innings starting and relieving. Otte (Andrean HS, St. John, IN) is a bulldog looking for an opportunity to make his mark. Meyers (Whiting HS, Whiting, IN) is a submarine style lefty and Spore is a crafty lefty.

The Panthers will have to overcome the loss of several starters both in the field and on the mound due to injuries and graduation.

The biggest loss was centerfielder Chris Schultz, PNC's first-ever First Team All-American in any sport. Schultz hit an eye-popping .445 with 14 HR's, 8 3b's, 16 2b's, 17 bb's, 8 sb's, 52 runs and a whopping 61 RBI. He slugged a phenomenal .832 with an on-base percentage of .493. He committed just one error in the outfield and had 9 outfield assists with his rifle arm. The amazing fact about Schultz is he did this with a partially torn ligament (completely healed now) as he was expected to be the Panthers #1 pitcher as well. He leaves the program as perhaps the most decorated athlete in program history.

Other key losses to graduation in the field include four-year starters John Selman and Dave Dickerson. Both helped lead the turnaround of the program and concluded outstanding careers. Selman was a 4-year starter and former CCAC Gold Glove award winner and Honorable Mention All-Conference player. Last year he hit .317 with 6 HR's, 14 2b's and 3 3b's with 38 RBI.

Dickerson played with a sore finger last year after dislocating it early in the season but still managed to hit .329 with 8 2b's, 4 3b's and 12 RBI while picking up 9 sb's.

The Panthers will also miss the leadership of Chris Cappello who “capped” a solid four year career as a utility infielder with a .284 season.

The Panthers will also miss the services of Greg Feltner and Sean Baker who had solid seasons in 2009 at first base and second base respectively.

On the mound, PNC lost several good arms including Andrew Dahman, Jon Charlson, Casey Young, Ryan Curless and Dan McCauley.

Dahman was the top reliever last season and finished a strong collegiate career with 3-0 record, 5 saves and a team-leading 18 appearances covering 36.2 innings. The strong lefty struck out 28 and allowed just 14 walks.

Charlson was 1-0 over 12 appearances and finished his career as reliable reliever for the Panthers.

Young was 5-4 last season in 54.1 innings and struck out 38 in 15 appearances, including 10 starts.

Curless was 3-6 in 30.2 innings in 13 appearances, including 8 starts while McCauley concluded his career with 5 appearances out of the bullpen.

Key losses due to injuries include junior Nate Hall and sophomore Shane Breitzke. Hall, who tore his ACL, was set to be the starting shortstop after playing third base last season. In 2009 Hall batted .338 with 1 HR, 3b's, 13 2b's and 34 RBI.

Breitzke, who also tore his ACL, hit .395 with 2 HR's, 6 2b's and 11 RBI after earning the starting job in left field the last third of the season.

Another key loss for the Panthers came on the mound as last year's #1 starter R.J. Legel had Tommy John Surgery this past summer. As a freshman Legel finished 4-4 with a 4.57 ERA in 57 innings. Opponents batted just .247 against him as he struck out 38 and walked just 19.

PNC will once again be coached John Weber as he enters his 6 th season. He has led a remarkable turnaround of the program and has brought the team to a new level of respectability.

Weber will be assisted by 3 rd year assistants Steve Plucinski and Dan Martin and joined by first year assistants Alan Myszkowki (Mark's brother) and Scott Marks.

Martin will be a bench coach while Plucinski handles first base duties and infield play. Myszkowski will handle the pitchers and Marks the hitters. Myszkowski coached the last two seasons at powerhouse andrean High School while Marks was a former Panther that finished his career in 2007. He is now working on his MBA as a graduate assistant.

The Panthers open their season with their annual spring trip to Clearwater, Florida before opening conference play on March 20 th verses Cardinal Stritch University at home. Once again, PNC looks to play a challenging schedule against several nationally ranked NAIA and Division II opponents while also scheduling Division I competition against the University of Illinois at Chicago and Purdue University.

The PNC varsity baseball team defeated the PNC Alumni 7-1 Saturday afternoon in Westville. The Varsity moved their record to 4-0 in the series after winning 20-2 in 2008, 10-1 in 2007 and 4-3 in the inaugural game in 2006.

The Varsity jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning when sophomore Jeff Gaston reached on a single and junior Kasey Koster smashed a two-run homer to right-center field.

The Varsity expanded their lead to 6-0 in the second inning. Sophomore Shane Breitzke led off with a single and reached third on an error during a pick-off attempt. Senior Adam Kennedy drove him in with an RBI single. After junior R.J. Zambrano reached on a fielder's choice, junior Nate Hall smacked a run-scoring triple to make it 4-0. Gaston followed up with a two-run homer to left field to complete the big inning.

The Varsity scored their final run in the third inning. Sophomore Jeff Strbjak led off with a walk and advanced to third on singles by Breitzke and Kennedy. Junior John Bugajski knocked in Strbjak with a fielder's choice to make it 7-0.

The Alumni scored their lone run in the sixth inning. Dave Dickerson reached on a double and scored on a single by Shawn Nova. The Alumni eventually loaded the bases with two walks but were unable to capitalize.

The winning pitcher was senior Kevin Scott who retired all three batters he faced including one by strikeout. Ten different pitchers combined to strike out eight while allowing just three wa1ks. The losing pitcher was Casey Young who allowed five runs in the first two innings on seven hits while striking out two.

Overall, the Varsity collected 13 hits and three walks. Strbjak added a double, Koster added a second hit on a single and Kennedy reached a third time by a walk.

The Alumni picked up seven hits and three walks. Dickerson had two doubles while Nova had two singles. Former All-Conference and pro player player Steve Georgion added a double.

PNC Hall of Famer Larry Blake Sr. (inducted in inaugural HOF class in 2006) coached the Alumni and was assisted by fellow Hall of Famer Larry Blake Jr.(2009) and Chet Ebner.

The Purdue North Central baseball team will host their fifth annual Alumni Baseball Game at Hicks Field on the south side of campus on Saturday, October 3rd at 11am.

Last year the current Panthers moved their record to 4-0 with a 18-2 victory over the Alumni.

The event is usually tied to the Athletic Department Golf Outing which will take place on Thursday, September 10 th at Valparaiso Country Club in Valparaiso, IN. However, Saturday, September 12 th is the annual Popcorn Fest in Valparaiso and would conflict with the game.

Several former players are expected back to lead the Alumni, who once again are expected to be managed by former long-time skipper and PNC Hall of Famer, Larry Blake Sr.

The pre-game schedule has the current Panthers taking batting practice from 9 a.m. to 9:40 with the alumni following from 9:40 to 10:20. The varsity will take their pre-game infield from 10:30 to 10:40 and the alumni will follow from 10:40 to 10:50.

The current Panthers start practice on August 31 st and finished the 2009 season with a record of 31-24 overall and 21-9 in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. They also qualified for the NAIA National Tournament by finishing 2nd of 11 teams in the CCAC.

The Panthers have now finished 31-24, 28-21, 28-22 and 32-20 over the past four years. The victory total is the most ever over a four year span for the PNC baseball program. The Panthers have also qualified for the post-season four straight years for the first time in program history, including two trips to the NAIA National Tournament.

A cookout will follow the game with food and beverages provided by the PNC baseball program.

Please RSVP for the Alumni game to Coach John Weber at 219-785-5273 or jweber@pnc.edu . Coach Weber can also be reached if you are interested in playing or being a sponsor in the golf outing.