In the bottom of the second, NKU was in the midst of a flurry, already scoring 10 runs with an out to play with. After Josh Williams doubled to plate a pair, up stepped Marcus Harrison. Harrison already drove Williams in on an RBI double just nine batters earlier, and looked to do the same again.
With a 3-1 count, Harrison was given the green light and crushed his second home run of the season to cap off a 12-run inning, securing a 30-9 win in the series opener.
NKU delivered one of their most complete series performances of the season, taking all three games against Oakland in a Horizon League matchup.
The Norse (17-22, 6-9) combined dominant pitching with timely hitting to outscore the Golden Grizzlies (10-26, 5,10) 49-12 across the three-game series, highlighted by a historic offensive burst in the opener, marking the highest run total since 2023.
Game One
NKU wasted no time asserting control in the series opener, erupting for a 30-9 win in a game that was effectively decided early.
After Oakland grabbed a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning, the Norse responded with five runs in the bottom half and never looked back. A 12-run second inning broke the game wide open, followed by another seven-run third.
NKU racked up 23 hits and drew 10 walks, with multiple players turning in standout performances. Josh Williams led the charge with six hits and six RBIs, while Marcus Harrison added five RBIs, including a two-run blast in the second. Mark Nowak also contributed with five hits and three RBIs.
On the mound, Logan Wilson earned the win, navigating early traffic before the offense gave him more than enough cushion.
Game Two
Game two showcased a different formula, as NKU relied on strong pitching in a 10-0 shutout.
Starter EJ Miramontes set the tone with four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Reliever Elijah Green closed the door with three clean innings to secure the combined shutout.
Offensively, the Norse carried over their momentum from game one, with three runs in the first inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from Harrison. Jake Paulick added a two-run homer in the game, while Landon Springmeyer and Ethan Thomas went deep as NKU finished with four home runs in the game.
The Norse pitching staff limited Oakland to just five hits and one walk, forcing the Golden Grizzlies into hibernation for all seven innings, winning both games by mercy rule.
Game Three
NKU capped off the series with a 9-3 victory in game three to finish the sweep. Paulick continued his strong weekend, launching a two-run home run in the first inning and driving in four runs. Alex Brazer added a two-run homer of his own, while Harrison contributed three hits in another stellar game.
Starter Cody Little earned the win, tossing five scoreless innings and allowing just two hits. The bullpen absorbed a brief Oakland rally in the middle innings before shutting things down late and securing the sweep.
The series marked a turning point for NKU, who climbed back to .500 in conference play. Across the three games, the Norse showcased depth throughout the lineup, which consisted of contributions up and down the roster, resulting in eight home runs in the series.
Defensively and on the mound, NKU limited mistakes and kept Oakland from building momentum and mounting a comeback.
With the sweep, NKU moves to 20-22, 9-9 in conference play, and gains valuable ground in the Horizon League Standings, building momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
The Norse welcome EKU on Tuesday, April 28, in their final game of the homestand before going on the road against the struggling Youngstown State Penguins.