Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Junior right hander Carlos Palomo allowed two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings and each Nebraska-Kearney starter had at least one hit as the Lopers held off Lincoln, 12-9, Sunday afternoon at Memorial Field.
 
With the victory, UNK (2-3, 2-1) took two of three from the Blue Tigers (1-5, 1-2).
 
After the Blue Tigers scored two unearned runs in the top of the first, UNK grabbed the lead for good thanks to a four spot in the bottom of the third.
 
The set featured and RBI double by sophomore shortstop Dillon Schroeder (2 for 5, two runs) and a three-run homer to right center by freshman right fielder Anthony Pacheco (2 for 2, two runs, four RBI's).  This marked Pacheco's first career collegiate dinger.
 
UNK moved ahead by a 9-3 score as sophomore first baseman Max Ayoub (Grand Island) belted a three-run shot in the fifth.
 
However, Lincoln didn't go quietly, getting four straight bloop singles to right field to start the seventh. With one out, senior first baseman Jonathan Grisham (2 for 5) hit a “Grand Slam” to left center, making it a 10-9 game
 
Kearney added some insurance in its half of the eighth when sophomore center fielder Brandon Landanger (2 for 4) hit a two-run tripe down the right field line.
 
Palomo (Gering), blanking Lincoln in the second and third innings, struck out four and gave up six hits. Wyoming junior Dalton Cowen earned the save by retiring all six batters he faced.
 
Weather permitting, UNK plays a double header at NW Missouri State Wednesday afternoon. The Lopers then play a three-game MIAA series at Missouri Southern State next Friday and Saturday.