MELBOURNE, Fla. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire faced off against Hamilton College in a doubleheader at the USSSA Space Coast Stadium, securing victories in both games with scores of 3-2 and 7-2.
In game one, UW-Eau Claire edged Hamilton with a narrow 3-2 victory. The Blugolds' offense was highlighted by their ability to draw seven walks, which contributed to the tense contest. Hamilton took an early lead in the first inning when they doubled to left field, driving in a run, putting them ahead 1-0.
UW-Eau Claire responded in the fourth inning when
Bella Florio, pinch-running for
Jane Wallace, scored on a single by
Chloe Ricard, tying the game at 1-1. Hamilton quickly regained the lead as the Continentals scored on a sacrifice fly, making it 2-1 after the fourth inning. The Blugolds equalized in the fifth when
Paige Lathrop scored after
Norah Kutnink walked with the bases loaded, tying the score at 2-2.
The decisive moment came in the seventh inning when
Maddy Pieper, pinch-running for
Claire Beck, scored on a wild pitch, giving UW-Eau Claire a 3-2 lead, which they held through the bottom of the inning to secure the win.
Claire Beck pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and two runs (one earned), while striking out one and issuing three walks. She threw 91 pitches, with 57 strikes, achieving a WHIP of 1.48.
Kasey Felden entered in relief, delivering a perfect four-pitch appearance for her first save of the season.
Molly Marquardt showcased her skills with six assists and a double, while
Marlee Smith reached base twice, recording one hit and a walk along with a stolen base.
In game two, UW-Eau Claire maintained their momentum, defeating Hamilton decisively with a final score of 7-2. The Blugolds took control early with a four-run first inning.
Paige Lathrop walked and scored on a
Jane Wallace double to left center, followed by a single from
Molly Marquardt.
Claire Beck then hit a three-run homer into left field, giving UWEC a commanding 4-1 lead.
The fourth inning saw further scoring and a 45 minute rain delay. Once play resumed,
Siri Springer singled and advanced on a throwing error, eventually scoring on
Breeley Gluch's single up the middle. Gluch stole two bases and scored on a single by
Marlee Smith, extending the lead to 6-2. In the fifth inning, after Marquardt doubled and was replaced by pinch runner
Bella Florio, she stole third and then home to increase the lead to 7-2.
Lauren Trottier started on the mound for UWEC, pitching 3 1/3 innings with four hits allowed, two runs (both earned), three walks, and one strikeout.
Kasey Felden again excelled in relief, pitching 3 2/3 innings with just one hit and three strikeouts, achieving an impressive WHIP of 0.63.
Claire Beck led the Blugolds in game two with three RBIs and a home run. Marquardt collected two hits and scored one run, while Florio demonstrated her speed on the bases with two stolen bases. Gluch added a hit, a run, and two stolen bases to the team's performance.
The Blugolds have an overall record of 12-4, while Hamilton drops to 0-3. UW-Eau Claire's next challenge will be against the University of Hartford and Webster University on Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m. ET and 2:30 p.m. ET in Melbourne, Florida.
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