MENOMONIE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (15-10, 8-5) swept a doubleheader against the University of Wisconsin-Stout (8-17, 1-13) on Wednesday at Wakanda Park, winning the first game 8–2 and the second game 7–4.
In the first game, the Blugolds secured a decisive victory with a pivotal sixth inning, turning a 2–0 lead into a commanding advantage. The inning featured a bases-loaded walk by
Austin Buck and a walk from
Logan Hesselman, setting up John Digregorio's three-RBI double down the right-field line, bringing home three runs and extending the lead significantly. Early in the contest, UW-Eau Claire set the tone with a two-run first inning. Buck and Hesselman reached on a single and a double, respectively, before Digregorio delivered an RBI single to center.
Diego Caicedo followed with a productive groundout to second, scoring Hesselman. UW-Stout managed to score two runs in the later innings, but the lead established by the Blugolds was insurmountable.
In the ninth inning, UW-Eau Claire added an insurance run. Caicedo walked, stole second, and later scored on a single by
Kellen Smith. Despite UW-Stout's attempts to rally, the defensive efforts and timely hitting of the Blugolds ensured the victory was never in serious jeopardy.
Devin Nedland delivered a strong performance on the mound for UWEC, pitching 6 1/3 innings with only one earned run allowed on six hits. He recorded three strikeouts, issued one walk, and hit two batters, throwing 101 pitches with 62 strikes. Nedland secured the win, bringing his season record to 1-1.
Cooper Senne contributed 2 2/3 innings in relief, allowing one run on three hits while striking out two batters.
Digregorio led the team with three hits and four RBIs, including a double. Buck contributed by scoring two runs and securing one hit. Hesselman added a double, scored two runs, and walked twice. Nedland pitched 6 1/3 innings with three strikeouts and earned the win.
In the second game, UW-Eau Claire secured another victory, capitalizing on nine walks and six stolen bases to outlast their conference rival. The Blugolds extended their lead beyond UW-Stout's reach with a pivotal seventh inning. The inning began with
Cole Clausen drawing a walk, and
Austin Curti reaching on a fielder's choice.
Kellen Smith's single advanced Curti, setting the stage for
Diego Caicedo's fielder's choice, which moved Curti to third.
Will Johnson then walked to load the bases, and a pinch-hit hit by pitch from
Carson Faust brought Curti home. A passed ball allowed another run to score, cementing UW-Eau Claire's control.
Earlier, in the second inning, the Blugolds capitalized on free bases to build an early lead. Curti doubled and advanced on a wild pitch, followed by Smith being hit by a pitch. Smith's stolen base placed runners in scoring position, leading to Johnson's groundout RBI. Buck's single drove in two more, and Hesselman's single added another run, giving UW-Eau Claire a strong advantage. Despite UW-Stout's attempt to close the gap in the third inning with a three-run rally, the Blugolds' defense and timely hits maintained their momentum. The team added an insurance run in the eighth with Curti's sacrifice fly, effectively sealing the game.
Tyler Webb pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on two hits while striking out five batters and walking four. He threw a total of 89 pitches, with 51 strikes. Sebastian De la Toba followed with 3 2/3 innings, surrendering only one hit, hitting one batter, and striking out four.
Ben Dorantes closed the game, pitching one inning and earning a save by recording one strikeout and allowing one walk.
Austin Curti contributed two runs and two hits, including a double, while also stealing two bases. Buck drove in two runs and recorded two hits, adding a stolen base to his performance. Smith reached base twice via walks and stole two bases. De la Toba pitched 3 2/3 innings, striking out four batters to secure the win at 3-0.
With these victories, UW-Eau Claire now has a record of 15-10 and is 8-5 in the conference, while UW-Stout holds a record of 8-17 and is 1-13 in the conference.
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