RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire split a doubleheader against the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Friday, securing a decisive 9–1 victory in the first game before falling 7–4 in the second.
In the first game, the Blugolds showcased a powerful offensive performance with 17 hits, including two home runs. They raced to an early lead with six runs in the first two innings.
Austin Buck initiated the scoring with a solo home run to left field, followed by
Logan Hesselman's double and a fielding error that allowed another run to cross the plate. In the next frame,
Ian George added to the lead with a solo homer, and
Will Johnson contributed an RBI single, part of a four-run inning that set the tone.
The Blugolds continued to apply pressure, adding a run in the eighth inning with
Logan Scuglik reaching base after being hit by a pitch and scoring on
Kellen Smith's fielder's choice. The lead was further extended in the ninth with
Austin Curti walking and scoring after a series of singles, including an RBI hit by
Eli Keirstead. Although UW-River Falls managed a run in the bottom of the ninth, the Blugolds' early offense and consistent pitching propelled them to a confident victory.
Nicholas Meuser delivered a strong performance for UW-Eau Claire, pitching 7 innings without allowing an earned run, giving up six hits, walking one, and striking out five batters.
Cooper Senne came in as a reliever, pitching 2 innings, allowing one earned run on three hits, with one walk and three strikeouts.
Austin Buck had two hits, including a home run, and scored twice, while
Will Johnson and
Logan Hesselman each posted four hits, with Johnson driving in two runs and Hesselman adding an RBI.
In the second game, UW-Eau Claire's comeback attempt fell short as they could not overcome UW-River Falls' early lead. The Falcons capitalized on a series of extra-base hits, swinging the momentum decisively in the fourth inning with a pivotal triple and a double, extending their lead to six runs. A groundout brought in the final run of that inning, which proved crucial in the outcome.
The Blugolds responded in the fifth inning, sparked by
Diego Caicedo's bunt single and
Austin Curti's double.
Carter Vieth followed with an RBI single, and
Logan Scuglik drew a bases-loaded walk to add another run.
Will Johnson's two-run double narrowed the deficit, but a base-running miscue ended the inning with a runner thrown out at home, stalling any further momentum.
Despite their efforts, UW-Eau Claire could not overcome the early lead established by UW-River Falls. Subsequent innings saw missed opportunities with runners left on base, and although
Eli Keirstead reached on an error in the ninth, the Blugolds were unable to mount a final rally.
Devin Nedland pitched 4 innings in the second game, allowing 10 hits and 6 earned runs, while striking out 2 batters.
Ben Dorantes provided 4 innings of relief, giving up 2 hits and 1 earned run, while striking out 3.
Will Johnson contributed significantly with two hits and two RBIs, including a double, and also stole a base.
Diego Caicedo added two hits and scored a run, while
Carter Vieth recorded a hit, an RBI, and was hit by a pitch, scoring once.
The Blugolds finish the day with a record of 20-18 and are 13-13 in the WIAC, while UW-River Falls holds a 19-18 record and is 12-14 in the WIAC.
The Blugolds will close out their regular season on Saturday, May 2 with another road doubleheader against UW-River Falls at First National Bank of River Falls Field. Game 1 is scheduled for 12 p.m.
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