EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (28-12, 8-6) faced a tough doubleheader against the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (25-13, 8-6) at Bollinger Field, falling in both contests with final scores of 11–5 and 7–4.
Despite the loss in the first game, the Blugolds showcased a significant offensive effort, particularly highlighted by a second-inning surge that produced four runs.
Chloe Ricard walked, and subsequent errors allowed
Emma Raikowski and Ricard to advance.
Paige Lathrop singled, driving in Ricard, followed by
Norah Kutnink hitting a pivotal double to center field, which allowed Lathrop,
Breeley Gluch, and Raikowski to score. This four-run burst concluded the inning with the Blugolds leading 4–1.
However, UW-Whitewater responded quickly. In the third inning, they narrowed the deficit with two runs through consecutive hits, ending the inning with UWEC holding a 4–3 advantage. The Blugolds extended their lead in the fourth inning when
Jane Wallace hit a solo home run, increasing the score to 5–3.
The momentum shifted in the fifth inning as UW-Whitewater scored five runs, including a two-run home run, pushing them ahead 8–5. They added two more runs in the sixth inning, capitalizing on errors and a passed ball, increasing their lead to 10–5. In the seventh inning, UW-Whitewater scored one additional run, concluding the game with a final score of 11–5.
Claire Beck pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing nine hits and five earned runs without issuing a walk, resulting in her loss and a record of 10-4.
Megan Standiford relieved Beck for 2 1/3 innings, conceding four runs on four hits, including one home run, while striking out one batter. Notably,
Norah Kutnink delivered a key performance with three RBIs, including a double, while
Jane Wallace contributed significantly with a home run and an additional RBI.
In the second game, UW-Eau Claire faced a competitive matchup, falling 7–4. The game began with UW-Whitewater taking a 2-0 lead after the first inning through a pair of RBI singles from Dani Peshia and Emma Giese. However,
Molly Marquardt put UW-Eau Claire on the board in the second inning with a solo home run, making the score 2–1.
The Blugolds gained momentum in the third inning when
Norah Kutnink's single drove in two runs, giving them a 3–2 lead. In the fourth inning,
Paige Lathrop doubled, extending the Blugolds' lead to 4–2. Yet, UW-Whitewater answered in the fifth inning, scoring two runs to tie the game at 4–4.
In a pivotal sixth inning, UW-Whitewater pulled ahead, scoring three runs, including two on Dani Peshia's single, to take a 7–4 lead. The final inning saw no changes in the scoreline, concluding the game with UW-Whitewater winning 7–4.
Kasey Felden started on the mound for UWEC, pitching 4 innings and allowing 2 earned runs on 4 hits with 1 walk.
Megan Standiford relieved her, yielding 4 earned runs on 3 hits and issuing 2 walks, resulting in a loss. Notable performances included Marquardt, who recorded a home run with one run and one RBI, while Kutnink added two RBIs with her single hit.
Kennedy Tumm collected two hits, further showcasing her consistency at the plate.
UW-Eau Claire finish the regular season with an overall record of 28-12, with an 8-6 record in conference play, while UW-Whitewater finishes at 25-13 overall, boasting an identical conference record of 8-6. Next for both teams will be the WIAC playoffs, hosted by the No. 1 seeded UW-Oshkosh.
The Blugold will play UW-Stevens Point in the opening round of the WIAC playoffs in Oshkosh on Friday, May 8th at 12:00 PM.
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