OSHKOSH, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (9-5, 3-1) split a doubleheader against the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (5-10, 1-3) on Sunday at Tiedemann Field, falling 11–1 in the first game before bouncing back to secure a 9–6 victory in the second.
In the first game, UW-Eau Claire managed six hits but was held scoreless until the seventh inning by UW-Oshkosh's pitching staff. The deciding moment came in the eighth when UW-Oshkosh capitalized on a throwing error and a wild pitch, leading to three runs. Braydon Skenandore reached on the error, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and later scored on a single by Jack McNamara. Additional runs followed from a Danny Connelly groundout and an Aaron Davis RBI single, creating an insurmountable lead.
Despite struggling to generate offense early, UW-Eau Claire had opportunities, including
Austin Curti reaching third after a single by
Thomas Beardman in the second inning. A spark in the seventh came when
Logan Hesselman scored on an error after his single, but the team could not muster a sustained rally.
Diego Caicedo's two hits and Curti's stolen base provided glimpses of potential, but the offense couldn't break through consistently. A missed chance in the sixth inning, when Caicedo was caught stealing after a leadoff single, stifled momentum.
Tyler Webb started for UW-Eau Claire, pitching 4 innings and allowing 7 runs on 7 hits, including 1 home run, while striking out 6 and walking 3.
Paul Goryl relieved Webb, throwing 3 innings and giving up 1 run on 3 hits with 1 walk and 3 strikeouts, maintaining a WHIP of 1.33.
Trey Gnetz concluded the pitching effort, facing 5 batters and surrendering 3 runs on 2 hits in just 1/3 of an inning, with 1 walk and a wild pitch contributing to his 30.00 WHIP.
Hesselman recorded one hit and scored a run, while John Digregorio reached base three times, collecting a hit and drawing two walks. Caicedo added two hits and managed to get on base twice against Connor Walters. Curti delivered a strong performance by securing a hit, drawing two walks, and stealing a base.
In the second game, UW-Eau Claire seized control with a decisive four-run surge in the ninth inning, highlighted by a pivotal two-run triple from
Austin Curti. John Digregorio ignited the offense with a solo home run in the first inning, helping the Blugolds tally 11 hits overall. Curti's two-run double in the first contributed to a quick 3–0 lead, but UW-Oshkosh pulled even in the fourth and eighth innings.
The Blugolds' defense held firm in the final frames, executing a key double play in the ninth to extinguish UW-Oshkosh's last rally attempt. The ability to leverage opportunities and the late offensive burst were crucial in securing the win.
Devin Nedland pitched 4 innings, allowing 2 earned runs on 2 hits while striking out 1 and walking 1, demonstrating efficient control on the mound with a WHIP of 0.75.
Cooper Senne contributed 3 innings of relief, surrendering 2 runs on 3 hits with 1 strikeout and 1 walk. Sebastian De la Toba closed with 1 2/3 innings, recording 2 strikeouts and allowing just one hit, maintaining a WHIP of 0.83 and securing his third win of the season.
Digregorio recorded three RBIs and hit a home run, while Curti collected three hits, including a double and a triple, tallying four RBIs.
Will Johnson finished with three hits and scored three runs, demonstrating his effectiveness at getting on base. Buck scored two runs and added four assists in the field, showcasing his dual impact on both offense and defense.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at
Blugolds.com or on our app,
Blugold Sports, and on social media on
Twitter,
Instagram, and
Facebook.
