DAVENPORT, Fla. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (3-2) secured a 14-9 victory over Keuka College (2-4) on Tuesday, highlighted by a five-run eighth inning. The Blugolds collected 14 hits, including five doubles and a home run.
UW-Eau Claire secured victory with a decisive eighth inning, extending its lead with a five-run rally.
Austin Curti initiated the scoring with a two-run homer, driving in
Connor Hennen. Later in the inning,
Logan Hesselman delivered a two-RBI double, following an RBI single from
Austin Buck, who had stolen his way into scoring position. This offensive burst widened the gap beyond reach for Keuka.
Earlier in the contest, the Blugolds established momentum with a productive first inning. Buck and Hesselman executed a double steal, setting up
Cole Clausen's two-RBI double.
Will Johnson capitalized on a defensive error to add another run, while
Diego Caicedo's double further pressured the defense. In the fifth, Hesselman's two-RBI single, following a balk that advanced runners, extended the lead amidst Keuka's attempts to close the gap.
Despite Keuka's ninth-inning push, scoring two runs off errors, UWEC's defense held firm. A fielder's choice halted further scoring, cementing the win. The team's adept baserunning and timely hitting throughout proved pivotal in navigating pressure situations and maintaining the lead.
Nicholas Meuser pitched 3 innings, allowing 3 earned runs on 2 hits and 6 walks while striking out 5 batters in his start.
Chase Watkins followed, pitching 1 1/3 innings and giving up 2 earned runs on 3 hits, including a double, with 2 walks.
Devin Nedland delivered a solid performance in relief, pitching 2 2/3 innings with 1 earned run on 2 hits and securing a win. Sebastian De la Toba contributed an inning of scoreless relief, permitting just one hit and one walk.
Joey Ernster concluded the pitching effort, surrendering 2 runs, one of which was earned, in his inning of work.
Buck recorded four hits, including a double, while crossing home plate three times and stealing four bases. Hesselman drove in five runs with three hits, two of which were doubles, and also scored twice. Johnson contributed two hits, two runs, and two RBIs while adding two stolen bases and five assists. Curti hit a home run, accounting for three RBIs and added a run to the scoreboard.
The Blugolds will play UMain-Farmington tomorrow, March 18th at 9:00 AM ET.
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