EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (16-13, 9-8) faced a challenging doubleheader against the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (22-8, 13-5) at Carson Park on Monday. The Blugolds dropped the first game with a final score of 5–3 but bounced back in the second game, securing a narrow 3–2 victory.
In the first game, UW-Eau Claire took an early lead in the third inning, sparked by
Logan Hesselman's single and a fielder's choice that brought him home.
Will Johnson then delivered a two-run homer, providing a brief cushion. However, UW-La Crosse rallied in the seventh inning with a decisive two-run sequence, featuring an RBI single and a sacrifice fly that pushed across the tying and go-ahead runs, aided by a throwing error. Despite opportunities to extend their lead, including free bases from hit by pitches and walks, the Blugolds stranded multiple runners.
Kellen Smith and
Ian George reached base in the eighth and ninth innings, respectively, but the team could not string together the necessary hits to overcome the deficit.
Aaron Skrypek pitched 6 1/3 innings, recording six strikeouts while allowing six hits and three earned runs, but took the loss, bringing his season record to 1-2.
Cooper Senne relieved Skrypek, pitching 2 2/3 innings with one earned run and four walks, contributing an additional strikeout. The two pitchers combined for 153 pitches.
Will Johnson led the offense with two hits, including a home run, and drove in two runs.
Logan Hesselman contributed with a hit and scored one run, while
Ian George added a hit and reached base twice.
In the second game, UW-Eau Claire set the tone early with a three-run first inning, capitalizing on free bases and timely hitting.
Austin Buck and
Will Johnson both drew walks, and a passed ball allowed John Digregorio to hit a sacrifice fly for the first run.
Diego Caicedo followed with a two-RBI single, driving in Johnson and
Logan Hesselman, who had reached base via a hit-by-pitch, to extend the lead.
Despite opportunities to add insurance runs, including
Kellen Smith's stolen base in the first inning, the offense cooled after the initial burst as they stranded runners in scoring positions. The defense remained steady, highlighted by two double plays, maintaining their lead until the end. UW-La Crosse's rally in the ninth inning narrowed the gap with Emiliano Ramos doubling and scoring on an error, bringing the visitors within one run. However, a crucial caught stealing by Digregorio helped UWEC secure the win.
Sebastian De la Toba delivered a standout performance, pitching a complete game over 9 innings, allowing just one earned run on seven hits while striking out eight batters and walking none. This effort improved his record to 4-0 for the season.
Diego Caicedo notably contributed with two RBIs, while
Kellen Smith recorded two hits and added a stolen base, showcasing his ability to get on base and advance.
Overall, UW-Eau Claire's record now stands at 16-13, with a conference record of 9-8, while UW-La Crosse's record reflects 22-8 and 13-5 in the conference.
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