EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (13-7, 6-2) faced the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (8-12, 2-8) in a doubleheader on Wednesday at Carson Park, resulting in a loss in the first game (6–3) and a victory in the second (4–3).
In game 1, the Blugolds recorded eight hits, including a home run, but could not overcome the 14 hits and two home runs from UW-Stevens Point. The Pointers solidified their lead in the seventh inning with a two-run surge, highlighted by Cooper Brown's homer to right center, extending their advantage to 6–2. Despite a late effort from UW-Eau Claire, including Braylen Nystrom's double and scoring on a wild pitch, the deficit proved challenging to close.
A pivotal attempt to rally came in the bottom of the seventh when
Logan Hesselman's single set the stage for John Digregorio, who launched a two-run homer to center field, narrowing the deficit to 4. However, further opportunities were thwarted, including a promising start in the ninth when
Will Johnson doubled and later scored on
Kellen Smith's sacrifice fly, ultimately leaving the Blugolds' comeback bid short.
Devin Nedland started the game for UW-Eau Claire, pitching 6 1/3 innings and allowing six earned runs on 12 hits, striking out four and walking two, with a total of 90 pitches thrown (55 strikes).
Tapio Niemioja came in as a reliever, pitching 2 2/3 innings, allowing two hits and recording one strikeout. John Digregorio made a notable impact with a home run and two RBIs.
Will Johnson contributed with two hits, including a double, and scored a run.
Austin Curti added to the team's offensive efforts with two hits and a walk.
In game 2, UW-Eau Claire secured the narrow victory against UW-Stevens Point with a pivotal seventh inning.
Kellen Smith and
Cole Clausen ignited the rally with singles, placing runners in scoring position.
Logan Hesselman delivered a crucial two-RBI single up the middle, bringing home both Smith and Clausen, which extended the lead to 4–1. This offensive burst proved decisive as it provided the cushion needed to withstand a late challenge from the opponent.
Earlier in the game, John Digregorio's solo home run in the sixth inning had given UW-Eau Claire a 2–1 advantage. Defensively, the team capitalized on a passed ball and error in the third inning to tie the game. Despite the eighth inning where UW-Stevens Point narrowed the gap with two runs, including one unearned due to a fielding error, UWEC's bullpen managed to hold firm in the ninth.
Ben Dorantes closed the game with three key strikeouts, preventing any further scoring threats and ensuring the victory.
Tyler Webb delivered a strong performance, pitching 6 innings with 6 strikeouts, allowing just 3 hits and 1 earned run, which was a solo home run. Webb issued 2 walks and hit one batter but secured the win, improving his record to 1-1. Sebastian De la Toba contributed 2 innings, giving up 2 earned runs on 4 hits while striking out 3 and walking 1. John Digregorio recorded two hits, including a home run, and added one RBI. Hesselman contributed two RBIs with his single hit. Smith scored twice and collected two hits, one of which was a double.
The Blugolds now hold a record of 13-7 and are 6-2 in conference play, while UW-Stevens Point has a record of 8-12 and is 2-8 in the conference.
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