Uni pounds out 11 hits and defeats Northwood 6-2 in key Pacific Coast League game

Jackson LoBianco of University rounds third and scores during Friday’s game with Northwood (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

University’s baseball team notched a big road victory Friday, defeating Northwood 6-2 in a Pacific Coast League game.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

Adam Axtell of University fires a pitch Friday.

Northwood's Nick Demaio takes his turn at bat Friday.

Northwood assistant coach Mark Locklear looks on during Friday's game.

University reliever Ryan Miller fires a pitch during the sixth inning on Friday.

University Coach Michael Thompson provides the home plate umpire with a change.

Uni's Faraz Markazi scores a run Friday.

Nick Wetzel of Uni is congratulated by Jose Rodriguez as he crosses the plate.

Jackson LoBionco of University takes a swing in Friday's game.

Right fielder Luke DeMaio of Northwood gets the ball to the infield in during Friday's game.

Third baseman Andrew Kotin of Northwood throws out a runner on Friday's game.

Trey Littlejohn of Northwood comes to the plate Friday.

Matt Lawrence of Northwood throws the ball to his infielders after a University base hit on Friday's Pacific Coast League game.

“We did a great job of staying positive today and we were able to come up with some huge two-out RBI hits,” said University Coach Michael Thompson.

“(Alex) Axtell did a great job of limiting their offense and keeping us in the game long enough to let our offense break out. “

Axtell (1-0) pitched the first five innings, allowing one earned run and striking out three. Ryan Miller got his first save pitching two innings and striking out two.

“It was fun to see the excitement and energy in the dugout.

University (5-7, 2-5) was led by Jackson LoBianco, who was 3 for 3 with a double and two RBI, Nick Wetzel who was 3 for 4 with an RBI and a stolen base, Jacob Carroll who was 2 for 4 with an RBI and Jose Rodriguez, who was 1 for 2 with an RBI.

“This was a huge win for us to keep us in the playoff race and we are looking forward to competing everyday,” Thompson said.

Despite the loss, Northwood (4-6-1, 4-3) remains in a tie for second place with Irvine, which lost to Woodbridge 5-4 in eight innings Friday.,

“Uni battled the whole game,” said Northwood Coach Rob Stuart. “Axtell made some key pitches and kept us off balance. We just got outplayed.”

Northwood (4-6-1, 4-3).