SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara baseball used its bats and a strong start from Cole Kitchen to beat Northwestern 12-4 in the 2022 home-opener at Schott Stadium Friday night.
Kitchen (1-1) was tremendous over 6 innings. He allowed just a pair of unearned runs and one hit with four walks and eight strikeouts. He didn't allow a hit after the second batter of the game, who he promptly picked off.
The Broncos (2-3) didn't fret after falling behind by two in the first and came back with four of their own in the bottom of the frame to take the lead for good. They scored runs in each of the first five innings while pounding out 14 hits and taking five free passes via three walks and two hit batters.
Coleman Brigman, Eamon Lance, Michael Mugan, and Cal Christofori all picked up two RBIs for the Broncos with Matt Jew, Dawson Brigman, and Alex Lambeau adding one apiece. Mugan finished with three hits, including a triple, and a run scored with C. Brigman going 2-for-4 with three runs scored. D. Brigman and Christofori both had two hits as well and JonJon Berring scored three runs out of the leadoff spot.
The Wildcats (0-5) would get two runs in the top of the eighth on a two-run shot by Tommy D'Alise. Those were the only RBIs as the other two runs scored on a dropped popup in the first.
Ruben Fontes had a double and a walk while scoring two runs. Three other Northwestern players had a hit each.
Mike Doherty (0-1) didn't have it but lasted 4 innings while taking the loss. He allowed 10 runs, six earned, on 10 hits with three walks and three strikeouts.
HIGHLIGHTS
Awesome start to the home season, 12-4 winners over Northwestern. Looking for a doubleheader sweep against the Wildcats Saturday starting at 1:00pm!#StampedeTogether #BroncoBoys pic.twitter.com/3YjvkHo4BD
— Santa Clara Baseball (@SCU_Baseball) February 26, 2022
INTERVIEW
Let's hear from Coach Rusty Filter after Friday night's home-opening 12-4 win over Northwestern!#StampedeTogether #BroncoBoys pic.twitter.com/CetpZC5M63
— Santa Clara Baseball (@SCU_Baseball) February 26, 2022
NEXT UP
The teams play a doubleheader tomorrow at 1 and 5 p.m.
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