RICHMOND, Ky. – The EKU baseball team scored the first four runs against Northern Kentucky on Tuesday evening, but suffered a 6-5 defeat to the Norse in the home opener at Earle Combs Stadium.

After a scoreless opening three frames, EKU put runners on the corners with one out in the bottom of the fourth before a passed ball brought home Max Williams to break the deadlock and give the Colonels a 1-0 lead.

EKU loaded the bases with two outs in the inning and Logan Thomason extended the Colonels' advantage with a double off the left field wall to bring home a pair. Conner Davis then scampered home on a wild pitch to make the score 4-0 Colonels.

Northern Kentucky responded with five runs in the fifth inning and added a solo home run in the top of the seventh to build a 6-4 lead.

EKU cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the eighth as Jalen Jones was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. However, the Norse escaped the jam with a 6-5 lead, then stranded the game-tying run at third in the bottom of the ninth to seal the win.

Thomason led the offensive attack for EKU, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and a walk. Will King was 2-for-5 with a run scored. On the mound, Bryce Travis (0-1) took the loss for the Colonels, allowing two unearned runs in 2.1 innings of work. Travis, Chase Alderman, and Joe Clancy each recorded three strikeouts as the Colonels utilized eight pitchers on the night.

EKU opens a three-game home series against UNC Asheville on Friday night afternoon at 4:00 p.m.