INDIANOLA, Iowa — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (1-2) lost a close contest to Simpson College (2-1) with a final score of 7-9 on Saturday at McBride Field. UW-Eau Claire rallied with a five-run seventh inning, but Simpson's three runs in the bottom of the seventh secured the victory.
Simpson seized control in the seventh inning, capitalizing on a series of free passes and timely hits to secure the lead. A walk, a single, and a hit by pitch loaded the bases, setting the stage for a bases-loaded walk and a fielder's choice that scored two runs, extending its advantage. A sacrifice fly brought in another run, marking a decisive three-run inning.
UWEC's offense sparked to life in its half of the seventh.
Kellen Smith and
Logan Hesselman drew walks before John Digregori delivered a crucial two-run double, narrowing the gap.
Austin Curti reached on an error that allowed Digregori to score, and
Cole Clausen tripled, bringing Curti home.
Diego Caicedo capped the rally with a sacrifice fly, scoring Clausen and bringing the team within striking distance.
Despite the seventh-inning surge, the Blugolds could not mount another rally, stranding a runner in the eighth and going down in order in the ninth. The earlier opportunities, including runners left in scoring position in the first and fifth innings, proved costly in the final outcome.
Tyler Webb started the game for UW-Eau Claire, pitching 3 1/3 innings with six hits allowed and four earned runs. Despite the rough outing, Webb recorded four strikeouts and threw 41 of his 66 pitches for strikes.
Joey Ernster followed, allowing one run on three hits over 1 1/3 innings.
Aaron Skrypek pitched 1 1/3 innings, giving up one run on five hits and striking out two batters.
Brandon Sylla struggled, facing four batters without recording an out, allowing three runs.
Devin Nedland closed the game with two scoreless innings, yielding no hits and striking out two, maintaining a perfect WHIP.
Digregori posted two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs. Curti scored twice and collected one hit. Caicedo tallied two RBIs and hit a double. Clausen recorded two runs, two hits, and one RBI, highlighted by a triple.
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