LA CROSSE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire split their doubleheader WIAC series against the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on Saturday at North Campus Field, winning the first game 8–7 before falling in the second game 7–5.
In the first game, the Blugolds edged past the Eagles with a strong offensive performance highlighted by two home runs, contributing to their 11-hit effort. UW-La Crosse took an early lead in the first inning with a run scored by a RBI single, bringing the score to 1–0. However, the Blugolds responded in the third inning with
Breeley Gluch hitting a two-run homer, driving in
Emma Raikowski to tie the game at 2–2, although the inning ended with UWL leading 3–2.
The pivotal fifth inning saw Gluch hit her second home run and
Norah Kutnink single to drive in another run, followed by a two-run error, allowing the Blugolds to take a commanding lead at 6–3. They extended their lead in the sixth inning when Kutnink scored Gluch with a single, and
Claire Beck added another RBI single, pushing the score to 8–3.
Despite a fierce comeback by UW-La Crosse in the bottom of the sixth, scoring four runs, the Blugolds managed to hold on to their lead, securing the win with a final score of 8–7.
Claire Beck pitched 5 innings, allowing 6 hits, 3 earned runs, and striking out 1 batter while improving her record to 10–3.
Kasey Felden contributed in relief, pitching 2 innings with 2 runs allowed and 2 strikeouts. Notable performances included
Norah Kutnink with two hits and two RBIs, and
Breeley Gluch with two home runs and three RBIs along with three runs scored.
In the second game, UW-Eau Claire started strong, scoring four runs in the first inning. The inning featured a walk by
Paige Lathrop, a single from
Claire Beck, and an RBI single from
Hailey Hagedorn, followed by a fielding error that allowed both Beck and Hagedorn to score.
Emma Raikowski's single brought in
Chloe Ricard, concluding the inning with the Blugolds leading 4–0. However, UW-La Crosse evened the score at 4–4 after the first inning.
The third inning saw UW-Eau Claire regain the lead with Raikowski driving in
Siri Springer, making it 5–4. Yet, UW-La Crosse regained momentum in the sixth inning, loading the bases and scoring three runs due to a fielder's choice and another fielding error by the Blugolds, ending the inning with UW-La Crosse ahead 7–5.
Despite their efforts, UW-Eau Claire was unable to score in the seventh inning, resulting in a 7–5 loss.
Kasey Felden started the game on the mound, allowing 2 earned runs in 1 inning, while
Megan Standiford pitched 5 innings in relief, striking out 3 batters and allowing 2 earned runs.
Claire Beck and
Emma Raikowski each recorded two hits, with Raikowski driving in two runs.
Looking ahead, the Blugolds are set to face UW-Stout on Wednesday, April 29 at 4 p.m. CT at Bollinger Field in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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