After seven straight games and seven straight victories against winless opponents, the Miami RedHawks (12-3) traveled to Northern Kentucky, a team with one single win.
It was the first time Miami had played a non-winless ballclub in more than two weeks.
But, after a total of eight straight wins, the result against the Norse (1-12) stayed the same.
The RedHawks put up 16 runs and allowed only one to claim their ninth in a row.
Miami broke the 0-0 tie in the top of the first inning, scoring two and never looking back. Junior third baseman Landon Stephens drove in redshirt junior outfielder Kyle Winkler with an RBI double to plate the first run of the contest. Stephens scored on a wild pitch later in the inning.
With both teams holding the other scoreless in the second, the RedHawks flexed their muscles and blew it open in the top of the third.
Two two-run dingers -- first by Stephens and then by junior designated hitter Cal Elvers -- made it 6-0. The home runs were Stephens' second and Elvers' first of 2019.
Northern Kentucky brought in its only run of the game on a third-inning, RBI single by redshirt senior first baseman Will Haueter. It was the only run MU junior starter Nick Urbantke surrendered.
Urbantke went four innings and gave up one run on four hits and one walk. He struck out one NKU batter.
As Miami continued to play scoreboard add-on, four RedHawk pictures saw action. Senior reliever Shane Smith (W, 2-0) earned the victory with two shutout innings out of the bullpen. He allowed three hits and punched out one.
The RedHawks scored two in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings, before tallying four more in the ninth to breeze by the Norse.
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It was Miami's first midweek action of the season.
Stephens and junior shortstop Will Vogelgesang each recorded a team-high three RBIs, while Winkler, Elvers and senior outfielder Mackay Williams each finished with two.
The RedHawks outhit Northern Kentucky 13-7. The Norse committed the only error of the day.
NKU freshman starter Proctor Mercer (L, 0-1) was handed the loss after Miami tagged him with six runs on six hits in his three innings of work.
The RedHawks return home to Hayden Park this Friday to kick off a three-game series against St. Bonaventure. Friday's first pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.
vinelca@miamioh.edu
@ChrisAVinel
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