The University of Toledo baseball squad saw its Mid‑American Conference tournament run slip away on Thursday, falling 10‑3 to Northern Illinois in a game that swung dramatically in the sixth and seventh innings.
Freshman right‑hander Hayden Frey worked 5.2 innings, surrendering three runs on eight hits, while junior Cade Baker contributed a multi‑hit effort that marked his 23rd such game of the season.
Junior Charlie Scholvin’s two‑run homer added to the Rockets’ offense, and Cole Cahill drove in a run with a timely single. Despite the effort, Northern Illinois pulled away with a six‑run seventh that turned a 3‑0 deficit into a 9‑0 lead before Toledo added three runs in the final two frames.
A chance to rebound
Head Coach Rob Reinstetle acknowledged the disappointment but expressed confidence that the team can regroup quickly. “We’ll take this experience and use it to fuel our next outing,” he said, as the Rockets prepare to host Kent State in an elimination showdown on Saturday, May 23.
The winner of that contest will advance to the championship game, making the upcoming matchup a pivotal moment for Toledo’s season. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, giving fans a chance to follow every pitch.
Earlier in the tournament, Toledo had posted an 8‑0 victory over Kent State, a performance that added a layer of optimism heading into the rematch.