March 20, 2009 — Gio Fricchione excels on the mound and at the plate to help Northwestern gain a 6-0 non-league victory over Blue Mountain in its season opener. Fricchione tosses five innings of shutout ball, striking out nine while not walking anyone. He also aids his own cause by collecting three hits and knocking in two runs. Nate Kester pitches the final two frames and combines with Fricchione on a three-hitter. Ernie Ruch contributes two hits, one a solo homer, for the winners, coached by Len Smith. Other Tigers with two hits include Adam Wehr, Jason Butterweck and Billy Dayton.