SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Indiana Wesleyan baseball had a successful day in the Crossroads League Tournament, securing a 4–2 victory over Spring Arbor University and a decisive 5–1 win against Huntington University. With these victories, Indiana Wesleyan secured their spot in the Crossroads League Championship game and an automatic bid to the NAIA Opening Round, marking a significant achievement for the team, as this is the third time in four years that they have reached this milestone..
THE ESSENTIALS
- Location: Spring Arbor, Mich. | Burbridgel Field
- Records: IWU - 33-21 | SAU - 25-25 | HU - 39-12
- Game One Score: IWU def. SAU 4-2
- Game Two Score: IWU def. HU 5-1
- NAIA Rankings: IWU - NR | SAU - NR | HU - #22
- CL Seeds: IWU - 4 | SAU - 6 | HU - 2
GAME ONE RECAP
- In the first game against Spring Arbor, Indiana Wesleyan started strong in the first inning. Jay Tomes singled and stole second, setting up Matthew Drozlek's RBI single to center field, which brought Tomes home for a 1–0 lead.
- The Wildcats extended their lead in the third inning with a solo home run from Braxton Brosmer, making it 2–0.
- The fourth inning saw more action from the Wildcats as Ben Seitzinger singled to center field, followed by Trevor Vojtkofsky being hit by a pitch. Jackson Mott pinch ran and later scored on a wild pitch, while Carson Bush's sacrifice fly brought in another run, increasing the lead to 4–0.
- The Cougars responded in the seventh inning when Brenden Phillips walked and later scored on Ethan Orlowski's RBI single, narrowing the Wildcats' lead to 4–1. In the eighth inning, Aiden Brunin tripled and scored on Joey Tessmer's RBI single, making it 4–2. However, Indiana Wesleyan's defense held firm, concluding the game with a 4–2 victory.
- Cooper Chinn delivered a strong performance for Indiana Wesleyan, pitching 6 innings, allowing only 3 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 6. He recorded a win, improving his record to 4-4, and threw 96 pitches with 59 strikes. Tarick McGlothin contributed an inning of relief, giving up 3 hits and 1 earned run. Noah Wathen closed the game effectively, pitching 2 innings, allowing 1 hit, and striking out 3 to earn his second save of the season.
KEY WILDCATS
GAME TWO RECAP
- In the second game against Huntington, Indiana Wesleyan continued its strong performance. The Wildcats started with a strong first inning, where Greg Vineyard singled to center field, followed by Jay Tomes with a bunt single. Braxton Brosmer then hit a three-run homer to left field, bringing home Vineyard and Tomes for a 3–0 lead.
- The Wildcats added to their score in the third inning with Matthew Drozlek doubling to left center and scoring on Ben Seitzinger's double. Trevor Vojtkofsky later doubled down the left field line, driving in Seitzinger and increasing the lead to 5–0.
- The Foresters responded in the fifth inning when Parker Richards, pinch running for Zach Pelletier, scored on Owen Imel's single to center field, making it 5–1. However, the score remained unchanged through the rest of the game as IWU held its lead to secure a 5–1 victory over Huntington.
- Tarick McGlothin delivered a strong performance on the mound for the red and grey, pitching 7 innings and allowing just 1 earned run on 5 hits while striking out 3 batters. McGlothin's control was evident as he threw 68 strikes out of 100 pitches, permitting only a single walk to secure his eighth win of the season. Kevin Corcoran provided solid relief, pitching 2 innings and striking out 4 batters while conceding only 1 hit. Together, the duo effectively limited the Foresters' offense over 9 innings.
KEY WILDCATS
LOOKING AHEAD
- IWU faces #1 Taylor for the Crossroads League Championship on Monday at 12:00 PM. The Wildcats will need tow in twice to secure a championship.
- Links for live stats will be available at IWUWildcats.com.
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