EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (19-16, 12-11) secured a complete game 4–2 victory and a dramatic 7–6 walk-off win over the University of Wisconsin-Platteville (18-17, 9-15) in a doubleheader at Carson Park on Sunday.
In the first game, the Blugolds capitalized early, scoring two runs in the first inning and maintaining the lead with a home run later in the game.
Will Johnson ignited UW-Eau Claire's offense with a two-run homer to left center, bringing in
Logan Scuglik, who had walked.
Kellen Smith's speed was pivotal in the fourth inning as he singled, stole second, and was driven in by
Diego Caicedo's single, extending the lead. In the fifth inning, Smith's double down the left-field line scored
Austin Buck, who had reached base on a walk, further solidifying the Blugolds' advantage.
Despite UW-Eau Claire's offensive prowess, UW-Platteville managed a late push in the ninth inning. Mason Molitor's double and advancement to third on a groundout set the stage for a sacrifice fly, cutting the lead to two. However, defensive efforts including two double plays helped UW-Eau Claire maintain its advantage and secure the win. Sebastian De la Toba pitched a complete game, allowing just two earned runs over nine innings. He struck out two batters and walked three, conceding six hits across his 115-pitch outing, maintaining an undefeated record with five wins this season.
In the second game, UW-Eau Claire clinched victory in a tense ten-inning contest. After UW-Platteville took a narrow lead with a solo homer at the top of the 10th, UW-Eau Claire responded with
Logan Hesselman starting the rally with a single.
Kellen Smith reached on a fielder's choice and promptly stole second, setting up
Diego Caicedo's single to center, which tied the score. Caicedo advanced on an error and eventually scored the winning run on
Carter Vieth's single down the left-field line.
Earlier in the game, UW-Eau Claire built a lead through timely hitting and aggressive base running, highlighted by
Austin Curti's two-run homer in the sixth. However, UW-Platteville continued to challenge, tying the game in the ninth.
Aaron Skrypek delivered a solid performance on the mound, pitching 8 innings and striking out 9 batters while allowing 9 hits and 3 earned runs. He issued just 1 walk over 115 pitches, with 82 strikes.
Ben Dorantes pitched in relief, completing 2 innings with 2 earned runs, 2 hits, and 1 home run allowed.
Overall, Caicedo recorded three hits and drove in two runs across the two games, contributing significantly to the team's offensive performance. Smith scored twice and stole two bases in game two, showcasing his speed. Vieth collected four hits, including a double, while Curti added two RBIs and hit a home run.
The Blugolds improved their overall record to 19-16, with a conference record of 12-11, while UW-Platteville holds an 18-17 record and a 9-15 mark in conference play.
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