MENOMONIE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (12-6, 5-1) secured a thrilling doubleheader sweep over the University of Wisconsin-Stout (8-9, 1-5) at Wakanda Park on Monday, winning 7–3 in the first game and edging past the Blue Devils 12–11 in the second game.
In Game 1, UW-Eau Claire propelled to victory with a decisive four-run seventh inning. The Blugolds totaled 14 hits, including a home run, with
Austin Buck and
Logan Hesselman leading the charge. Buck and Hesselman both contributed back-to-back doubles in the first inning to build an early lead. Although UW-Stout tied the game in the sixth with an RBI double, UW-Eau Claire responded with a surge in the seventh.
Ian George ignited the inning with a single and a stolen base, followed by
Eli Keirstead drawing a walk. Buck's sacrifice bunt advanced both runners, setting the stage for Hesselman's two-RBI single. An error extended the inning, and
Will Johnson's RBI single, along with
Austin Curti's RBI double, capped the four-run frame. Johnson added an insurance run in the ninth with a solo home run. The Blugolds' defense held firm in the final inning, securing the win despite UW-Stout's attempts to rally.
Nicholas Meuser delivered a strong performance on the mound, pitching 7 innings while allowing only 4 hits and 2 earned runs, striking out six batters and walking two. Sebastian De la Toba came in as relief, pitching 2 innings with 3 strikeouts and allowing one home run.
In Game 2, UW-Eau Claire continued their strong performance, highlighted by a five-run sixth inning that shifted the momentum. The thrilling contest saw the Blugolds edge past the Blue Devils, with Buck's alert baserunning proving crucial in the tenth inning. After singling and stealing second, Buck scored the decisive run when
Cole Clausen drew a walk with the bases loaded. Earlier in the sixth inning, Clausen hit a pivotal three-run homer that turned a one-run deficit into a four-run lead, following singles by Buck and
Carson Faust. Despite UW-Stout rallying in the eighth and ninth innings to tie the game, UW-Eau Claire's defense held firm in the bottom of the tenth, sealing the victory with key strikeouts.
Evan Fischer pitched 5 innings, allowing five earned runs on five hits, while striking out five.
Cooper Senne provided relief, pitching 2 1/3 innings and giving up three earned runs.
Chase Watkins faced control issues in his brief appearance, while
Ben Dorantes closed out the game, striking out five batters in 2 innings.
Buck was a standout player in Game 2, leading with four hits, four runs, two RBIs, and two stolen bases. John Digregorio added three hits and three RBIs, including a home run, while Clausen drove in four runs with his homer.
Kellen Smith also contributed with a home run, finishing with two hits and two runs.
Overall, UW-Eau Claire improved their record to 12-6 and 5-1 in the conference, while UW-Stout fell to 8-9 and 1-5 in the conference.
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