STEVENS POINT, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (17-14, 10-9 WIAC) split a doubleheader against the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (15-16, 8-12 WIAC) on Wednesday at Zimmermann Field, falling in a dramatic 9–8 decision in the first game before bouncing back for an 11–8 victory in the second game, which went into extra innings.
In the first game, despite collecting 15 hits and hitting two home runs, the Blugolds couldn't fend off UW-Stevens Point's late-game surge, culminating in a walk-off solo home run by Nystrom, B, in the 13th inning. UW-Eau Claire initially surged ahead with a three-run third inning, highlighted by Logan Hessel's two-run homer, following singles from
Austin Buck and
Will Johnson.
Kellen Smith doubled down the left field line in the fifth, driving in two more runs, while
Ian George reached on a fielding error, extending the lead to 7–3.
Austin Buck added a solo homer in the sixth, putting the Blugolds up 8–3.
However, UW-Stevens Point rallied, scoring three runs in the seventh and two in the eighth to tie the game, leaving the Blugolds with missed opportunities as they stranded runners in key moments.
Devin Nedland pitched well for UW-Eau Claire, going 6 innings with only 1 earned run and 5 strikeouts, but
Chase Watkins struggled, giving up 3 earned runs in just 1/3 inning.
Paul Goryl provided stability in relief, while
Ben Dorantes closed out the game, allowing 3 earned runs over 5 innings.
Austin Buck was a standout, scoring two runs and hitting a home run, while Logan Hessel contributed two runs and two RBIs.
Will Johnson had three hits, and
Kellen Smith added two runs and two RBIs along with a stolen base.
In the second game, the Blugolds established momentum with a five-run second inning, aided by a throwing error that allowed
Austin Curti to score, followed by RBI singles from
Will Johnson and John DiGrego, who had a two-RBI hit down the left field line.
Logan Hesselman added a sacrifice fly, driving in Johnson. Despite this strong start, UW-Stevens Point threatened in the eighth, scoring four runs to tie the game, forcing extra innings.
In the tenth, UW-Eau Claire clinched victory with a three-run inning, beginning with
Kellen Smith reaching on a fielding error.
Austin Curti drove him in with a single and advanced to second on the throw, followed by a crucial two-RBI single from
Will Johnson, sealing the win.
Tyler Webb pitched 7 innings for the Blugolds, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits, while
Paul Goryl earned the win with 1 1/3 innings of perfect relief.
John DiGrego was a key player, recording five RBIs and hitting a home run, while Johnson tallied three hits and three RBIs, scoring twice. Curti also crossed the plate twice, contributing to the team's success.
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire holds a record of 17-14, now 10-9 in the WIAC, while UW-Stevens Point stands at 15-16 and is 8-12 in the conference.
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