Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire baseball team played a doubleheader against Bethany Lutheran at ISG Field on Thursday, resulting in a split. The Blugolds lost the first game 7-1 but came back to win the second 10-8.

In the first game, UW-Eau Claire (3-1) took an early lead with an RBI groundout by Austin Buck. However, they couldn't respond as Bethany Lutheran (5-8) scored three runs in both the second and third innings. The Vikings' pitching staff held the Blugolds to six hits over seven innings.

The second game saw a change in fortunes for UW-Eau Claire. They established a four-run lead by the fifth inning, scoring twice in the first inning and adding runs in both the third and fourth innings. Bethany Lutheran narrowed the gap with three runs in the sixth inning and took a 7-4 lead after scoring four more runs in the seventh.

UW-Eau Claire responded decisively in their half of the eighth inning, scoring five runs to regain control. Brayton Thillman was hit by a pitch with bases loaded to tie the game, followed by Drew Salyers delivering a two-RBI single that gave them a 9-7 lead.

Bethany Lutheran managed a solo home run in their half of the eighth to bring it within one run again, but Carter Vieth provided some breathing room for UW-Eau Claire with an RBI single in the ninth inning. Sebastian De La Toba then pitched a scoreless ninth to secure his save.

Brennan Cohen started on the mound for UW-Eau Claire, pitching six innings while allowing three runs. Brandon Sylla picked up his first collegiate victory after pitching one inning out of relief.

Offensively, Cole Clausen led with three hits during Game 2 while Salyers and Buck contributed two hits each.

The Blugolds are scheduled to continue their road trip with another doubleheader against St. Mary's (Minn.) on Friday at 1 p.m.