GAME STATS PICTURED ABOVE: Matt Schappell and Justin Swider each had two hits in Wheaton's 6-0 loss at Northwestern on Tuesday.

Evanston, Ill.- A two-out bases clearning triple in the bottom of the fourth inning broke open a tight contest and propelled the Northwestern University Wildcats to a 6-0 victory over the Wheaton Thunder on Tuesday afternoon. Leading 1-0, Northwestern used a four-run fourth inning to get some breathing room and cruise to the victory. Wheaton's pitching staff held the Division I Wildcats to just six hits throughout the game, but the offense couldn't get anything going against Northwestern starter Matt Portland who improved to 2-1 on the season by allowing just three hits through seven innings and striking out eight.

The Wildcats struck first in the bottom of the first inning, using a two-out single to take a 1-0 lead that would hold until the fateful fourth inning. In the fourth, Wheaton starter Peter Moran looked as if he was about to sneak out of a bases loaded jam allowing just one run until Northwestern designated hitter Kyle Ruchim roped a bases clearing triple that gave the Wildcats a 5-0 lead.

Taking over for Moran in the fifth, Casey Moll loaded the bases with a walk and two hit batters, but proceded to allow just one run thanks to an inning-ending double play. Moll and Ethan Ogden would shut down the Wildcats over the last three innings to hold the tally at 6-0.

In the top of the ninth, Matt Schappell and Justin Swider each managed singles but CCIW Hitter of the Week Desmond Cato (PICTURED RIGHT) was robbed of a hit on a fine defensive play to end the game.

Wheaton continues their busy week on Wednesday afternoon when they travel to Concordia-Chicago to face the Cougars at 3 PM.