DECATUR, Ill. –  The Rams split Friday's doubleheader against 2024 NCAA regional qualifier Millikin. Cornell took the opener 7-4. In the nightcap a late rally by the Rams fell short with the Big Blue prevailing 11-6.
 
In the first game a big fifth inning propelled the Rams to victory. Senior Kale Rose doubled to right to jump start Cornell. Vince Zipperer, Zach Garton and Collin Severson each picked up a run-batted-in, before Ryan Weaver provided a RBI with a sacrifice to left field scoring Zipperer from third putting Cornell up 4-2. 

Milliken scored two runs in the bottom of seven to tie up the game at 4-4. In the top of the eighth Zipperer knocked in the winning run with a RBI double and Jack Rogers provide insurance runs with a two run single to left field.
 
Vince Tinajero was the starter in game one going six innings for the Rams, giving up three runs on eight hits.  Grant Morris picked up the win for the Rams and Lucas Brutsche received the save shutting down the Big Blue in the ninth.
 
Offensively the Rams were led by Cade Parks and Rose with three hits each. Rose had two doubles and Parks one.  Jack Rogers and Zipperer had two RBI's a piece. Esteban Perez, Parks and Zipperer each scored two runs.
 
In the night cap the Rams (4-6) mounted a rally in the top of eight, scoring five runs on four hits to pull within two at 8-6. The inning was highlighted by three doubles, one each by Severson, Rose and Zipperer.  Milliken (7-6) tacked on three runs in the bottom of the eighth to secure the win.
 
The Rams had a big day offensively putting up 24 hits over the two games. They were led by Rose with five hits (three doubles). Sean Alvarez and Zipperer (two doubles) added four hits each for the day.  Zipperer led Cornell with four RBI's and scored four runs.
 
Coming up – The Rams play two games on Saturday in Decatur, Ill. Cornell faces Hanover College in the first game starting at 10 a.m., followed by Benedictine at 4:30 p.m.