WHITEWATER, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (21-20, 14-14 WIAC) fell to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (31-10, 21-7 WIAC) in a decisive 13–1 loss at Prucha Field on Thursday in game one of the WIAC Playoffs. The Blugolds' lone run came in the first inning, but they were unable to overcome UW-La Crosse's nine-run surge in the opening frame.
UW-La Crosse set the tone early with a nine-run first inning, highlighted by Sam Viniard's three-run homer to right center. This decisive start placed UW-Eau Claire in a challenging position for the remainder of the game.
In the top of the first inning,
Logan Scuglik reached on a throwing error and advanced to third on
Will Johnson's double.
Logan Hesselman drove in Scuglik with a productive groundout, but the team was unable to capitalize further. In the fifth inning, UW-Eau Claire had a chance to add runs after
Ian George singled and
Austin Buck was hit by a pitch, but a pickoff ended the threat. The absence of timely hitting and the inability to sustain rallies contributed to missed opportunities throughout the contest.
UWEC's defense managed to contain UW-La Crosse for the middle innings, but the early deficit proved insurmountable. Despite a few base runners, the Blugolds could not mount a significant comeback in the latter part of the game.
Nicholas Meuser started on the mound for UW-Eau Claire, pitching 1 inning and allowing 9 earned runs on 9 hits, including one home run. He struck out one and walked one, throwing 48 pitches with 28 strikes.
Devin Nedland then took over, delivering 5 innings of relief while conceding 4 earned runs on 8 hits. Nedland recorded 4 strikeouts and issued 2 walks, throwing 93 pitches with 62 strikes.
Will Johnson recorded two hits, including a double, contributing effectively to the team's offensive efforts.
Logan Hesselman drove in a run with his single, adding to the team's scoreline.
Kellen Smith also made an impact at the plate with a double, while
Devin Nedland pitched five innings, striking out four and allowing four earned runs.
UW-Eau Claire holds will face the No. 1 seed UW-Whitewater tomorrow at 10:00 AM.
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