Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire baseball team faced a challenging finish to their series against the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on Sunday at Kendall Murray Field. The Blugolds were defeated in both games of a double-header, each concluding with a score of 5-4 in favor of the Pioneers.

The opening game saw UW-Eau Claire lose a promising lead in its final stages. Initially ahead 4-0 after late rallies, highlighted by Cole Clausen's key sacrifice fly and run-scoring doubles from Carter Vieth and Will Johnson, the Blugolds entered the bottom of the ninth holding a firm advantage. However, the Pioneers mounted a comeback, launching a two-run home run which set up their eventual victory via a walk-off single.

During Game 1, starting pitcher Evan Fisher delivered an impressive performance on the mound with 8.1 innings and eight strikeouts, yielding just two runs. Despite his efforts, he finished with a no-decision. Vieth led offensively with two hits.

In the series' final game, the Blugolds fell behind early, with UW-Platteville establishing a 3-0 lead by the second inning. Drew Salyers responded with RBIs in the fourth and sixth innings, closing the gap momentarily. Yet, the Pioneers extended their lead with two additional runs in the sixth. Although UW-Eau Claire brought the score closer with Vieth's wild pitch score and Thomas Beardman's RBI double, they could not equalize.

Johnson, Salyers, and Austin Buck each collected two hits in the effort, while Chase Watkins contributed three scoreless innings of relief.

Looking ahead, the Blugolds are set to face St. Olaf College in their upcoming non-conference games on Wednesday, April 30, in Northfield, Minnesota.

The UW-Eau Claire baseball team remains active online, with updates available on Blugolds.com and through their app Blugold Sports, as well as on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.