Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and UW-River Falls baseball teams faced off in a doubleheader at Carson Park, marking their first meeting since 1995. The Blugolds emerged victorious in the first game with a 13-3 win, while the Falcons took the second game 9-2.

Both teams had previously disbanded their baseball programs, with UW-Eau Claire reviving theirs in 2021. The Falcons are participating in their first season since discontinuing their program over two decades ago.

The Blugolds secured the first game's victory due to a strong offensive performance, tallying 17 hits. A key moment came in the second inning when freshman Will Johnson from Minneapolis hit a two-RBI double, giving the Blugolds a 4-1 advantage. The team's lead expanded with a six-run fourth inning, featuring another RBI double by Johnson and a two-run homer by senior Drew Salyers from Centennial, Colorado. Austin Curti and Carter Vieth contributed RBI singles, concluding the game per the 10-run rule.

Sophomore Nicholas Meuser, hailing from Burnsville, Minnesota, pitched a complete game for UW-Eau Claire, limiting the Falcons to three runs and securing six strikeouts. Junior Austin Buck of Afton, Minnesota, achieved a notable 4-for-5 in batting during Game 1.

In Game 2, Salyers managed a solo homer in the second inning. However, UW-River Falls gained momentum in the fourth inning, eventually sealing the game with decisive performances in the final innings. A bases-loaded situation led to Buck being hit by a pitch in the sixth, which accounted for the Blugolds' second and final run.

The Blugolds will conclude their season with another doubleheader against the Falcons on Saturday, May 3, at Carson Park. The events include Senior Day and Alumni Day, with the first game starting at noon.

Updates and information about the Blugolds can be followed at Blugolds.com or on the Blugold Sports app, as well as their social media platforms.