INDIANOLA, Iowa — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (1-1) split their season opening double header against Simpson College (1-1) on Friday at McBride Field. The Blugolds took game one by a score of 6-2 thanks to a pivotal two-run ninth inning clinching the win for the Blugolds. UWEC fell in game two 5-1 against a strong Simpson pitching performance.
Game One
UWEC built a lead in the third inning. A double by
Logan Hesselman set the stage for John Digregori, who delivered a two-run homer to center field. This timely hitting provided momentum, but Simpson kept pressure on with a run in the fifth and another in the seventh, tying the contest.
Simpson edged ahead in the eighth inning with a single through the right side, driving in a crucial run to take a 5-4 lead. UW-Eau Claire responded in the ninth, capitalizing on a series of hit-by-pitches and a balk, allowing it to score twice and reclaim the lead.
The decisive ninth inning saw the Blugolds' patient approach pay off. With bases loaded, a balk and a hit-by-pitch contributed to its final two runs. Despite Simpson's pressure, UW-Eau Claire's defense held firm, closing the game with a strikeout to secure the win.
Nicholas Meuser started the game for the Blugolds, pitching 4 innings and allowing 2 runs on 2 hits, with one being a home run. Meuser maintained control with a low WHIP of .75, issuing just one walk and hitting one batter. S. La pitched in relief for 3 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits, and recording 2 strikeouts.
Cooper Senne closed the game with 2 scoreless innings, striking out 3 batters and earning the win with a WHIP of .50.
Digregori recorded three RBIs and hit a home run, contributing significantly to the team's offense.
Austin Buck added two hits and scored a run, including a double, while playing second base. Hesselman registered a double and scored a run, providing additional support at the plate.
Game Two
Simpson took control in the third inning with a combination of timely hitting and defensive miscues from UWEC. A double by Campin set the stage, followed by a pair of hit-by-pitches and a single by Cagley that drove in the first run. A fielding error allowed a second run to score, giving Simpson a lead it would not relinquish.
UW-Eau Claire had opportunities to mount a comeback, notably in the sixth inning. John Digregori led off with a double and later scored when
Cole Clausen reached on an error, cutting the deficit. However, the Blugolds left the bases loaded after two strikeouts ended the threat. Despite drawing several walks and getting runners into scoring position, they were unable to deliver the key hit needed to close the gap.
In the late innings, UW-Eau Claire's best chance came in the eighth, loading the bases with one out. However, a fielder's choice ended the inning without further scoring, leaving the Blugolds unable to capitalize on Simpson's earlier mistakes.
Evan Fischer pitched 5 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 6 batters on 65 pitches. Fischer maintained a WHIP of 1.20 and issued only one walk, demonstrating control over the strike zone with 45 strikes.
Draza Dupor contributed 1 inning of relief, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits, including a home run, and striking out 1 batter while recording a WHIP of 3.00.
Ben Dorantes closed out the game with 2 innings pitched, surrendering no hits and striking out 2, while inducing a key ground-ball double play and maintaining a WHIP of 0.50.
Logan Hesselman contributed significantly at the plate, drawing four walks.
Austin Buck was active in the field, recording five assists from second base. Digregori posted a hit and scored a run, including a double.
UWEC starts the season with an overall record of 1-1, as does Simpson College.
The Blugold and Storm play again tomorrow, February 28th at 1:00 PM.
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