A five-run first inning put Northwestern Ohio ahead to stay on Sunday afternoon as the 17^th-ranked Racers defeated Lourdes 16-0 at Racer Field in Lima, Ohio.
 
The Racers jumped in front in the opening inning, doing all of their damage with two outs.  A walk followed by five straight hits, including a two-run double by Blake Maines, put the hosts in front 5-0.
 
After batting around in the opening inning, Northwestern Ohio (26-10, 16-1) sent 13 hitters to the plate in the third, scoring eight more runs.  Kyle Fisher had a three-run home run for the big blow as the Racers tallied eight hits in the frame.
 
A three-RBI single by James Cardona increased the lead to 16-0 in the fourth, capping the scoring for the Racers.
 
Lourdes managed just two hits off of starter Mike Alexander, who went five innings to earn the win (5-2).  Alexander struck out five and did not walk anyone.  The two singles were infield hits by Jonathan Barker (Sylvania, Ohio/Southview H.S.) and Glen Crabtree (Medina, Ohio/Black River H.S.).
 
Kolby Rogge (Toledo, Ohio/Springfield H.S.), started, and suffered the loss (2-4) for Lourdes, allowing 12 runs, 10 of which were earned, and 11 hits in 2.1 innings on the hill.
 
"We have had back-to-back frustrating conference weekends," head coach Jeremy Snow said afterwards.  "However, we can't lose sight of the fact that we have a talented, young team that just needs to learn how to win."
 
Lourdes (6-20, 3-15) will return home to Mercy Field on Wednesday afternoon as the Gray Wolves host Cleary.  First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 3 p.m.