By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire baseball team fell short in their Friday series against UW-Platteville, 15-5 and 8-1.
Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score
Game one began with a three-run first from Platteville, but the Blugolds struck back with a two-out double from Otto Treichel (So.-Madison, WI/West), scoring Logan Matson (Jr.-Neillsville, WI).
The Pioneers added to their lead in the fourth and fifth innings, but Eau Claire kept it tight by scoring three runs in the bottom of the seventh. A single from David Janssen (Fr.-Lino Lakes, MN/Centennial) scored the first run of the inning, scoring Cade Mueller (Fr.-Coal City, IL). With two runners in scoring position, a big single from Matson was enough to get both runs home.
The Blugolds added one more run in the eighth off an RBI from Nate Witte (Fr.-Woodbury, MN/East Ridge), but they couldn't close the gap.
Eau Claire finished the game with ten hits in total coming from seven different players. Janssen, Matson, and Mueller led the way with two apiece.
In game two, the Blugolds got on the board in the third. Janssen had a single up the middle to get on base and advanced to second on a walk to Henry Pitsch (Fr.-Madison, WI/West). Treichel would knock him in on a two-out RBI single.
Eau Claire's offense would not score again, despite finishing the game with eight hits. They had multiple runners on base in the fourth, eighth, and ninth innings but couldn't knock them in.
Treichel was the top offensive weapon in the second game, leading all players with three hits. Janssen had a hit and two walks, while also scoring that lone run of the game.
On the mound, Wes Brand (Fr.-Woodbury, MN/East Ridge) got the start and went six innings, striking out seven batters. In relief was Aidan Franz (Fr.-La Crosse, WI/Central), who pitched a pair of innings.
The Blugolds get yet another chance against the Pioneers tomorrow, as they travel to Platteville for a Saturday doubleheader.
Follow the action on Blugold Game Day.
