RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (21-19, 14-14 WIAC) split a doubleheader against the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (20-19, 13-15 WIAC) on Saturday, suffering a 21-9 loss in the first game before bouncing back with a decisive 20–11 victory in the second to cap off their best regular season since the program returned. The Blugolds are set to play in their first WIAC playoffs since 1995, and will be the 3rd seed.
In the first game, UW-Eau Claire faced a challenging contest as UW-River Falls solidified its lead with a significant second-inning surge. After
Eli Keirstead was caught stealing,
Austin Buck reached base, but a double play extinguished the threat. The home team capitalized with a series of extra-base hits, including a triple and timely singles, handing UW-River Falls a commanding position early. Despite the defeat, UW-Eau Claire hit four home runs during the game. The Blugolds mounted multiple rallies, notably in the fourth inning when
Logan Scuglik,
Logan Hesselman, and
Kellen Smith each homered, adding four runs. Earlier, Hesselman's triple in the first inning set up a crucial scoring opportunity, with Smith driving him in on a double. However, defensive errors and missed opportunities in key moments allowed the home team to maintain their lead.
Evan Fischer started the game for UW-Eau Claire, pitching 1 1/3 innings and allowing eight earned runs on eight hits, including one home run, while striking out none and issuing no walks over 41 pitches.
Tyler Webb came in as a relief pitcher, delivering 2 innings and conceding five earned runs on eight hits, with three walks and one strikeout.
Chase Watkins followed Webb, pitching 1 2/3 innings and allowing three runs on two hits, while hitting two batters.
Paul Goryl closed out the pitching efforts with 1 inning, throwing 5 pitches, 4 of which were strikes.
Hesselman led UW-Eau Claire with two home runs, driving in two runs and scoring four times on three hits. Smith contributed with a home run and two doubles, adding two runs and two RBIs to the team's tally. Scuglik made a significant impact by hitting a home run and collecting two RBIs while drawing a walk. Buck scored twice and added a double in his two-hit performance.
In the second game, the Blugolds seized control in the second inning with a seven-run outburst, highlighted by
Diego Caicedo's three-run homer to left center.
Ian George initiated the inning with a solo shot, and later,
Kellen Smith doubled to set up more scoring opportunities with runners in scoring position.
Will Johnson contributed with an RBI double, further extending the lead as UW-Eau Claire capitalized on their offensive momentum. UW-River Falls attempted to close the gap in the seventh inning with a four-run rally, including a grand slam by Max Krebs that brought the home team within striking distance. However, the Blugolds maintained their lead through timely defensive plays and additional runs in the later innings. Smith's three doubles and Caicedo's two home runs were instrumental in maintaining UWEC's advantage, while
Brayton Thillman's two-run homer in the ninth sealed the decisive victory.
Sebastian De la Toba started for UW-Eau Claire, pitching 2 innings, allowing 5 earned runs on 7 hits, and striking out 1 batter. Despite the challenging start,
Aaron Skrypek took over on the mound, delivering 7 innings with 5 strikeouts and conceding 6 earned runs on 11 hits. Skrypek managed to maintain control with 76 strikes out of 112 pitches, earning a 3-2 win-loss record for the season.
Johnson recorded four hits and drove in two runs, contributing significantly to the offense. Smith tallied five hits and two runs batted in, showcasing his consistency at the plate. Caicedo hit two home runs, driving in five runs and crossing the plate three times to lead the scoring.
Calvin Gilbertson added a home run and four RBIs, further boosting the team's run total.
UW-Eau Claire finishes their regular season with a record of 21-19 and was 14-14 in the WIAC, while UW-River Falls finishes at 20-19 with a 13-15 conference record.
The Blugolds will head to Whitewater on Thursday, May 7th to begin WIAC Playoffs with a matchup against UW-La Crosse.
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