JACKSONVILLE, Ill.- It was a pitching dual in both games on the Hilltop as the Blueboys split with Lawrence University on the Saturday afternoon doubleheader and set up a crucial rubber match for Sunday.
With the split, IC moves to 22-14 on the season and 10-7 in conference play, and Lawrence is now 15-16 overall and 9-6 in conference play.
Game 1: IC 4 Lawrence 3
Illinois College struck first, taking a 1–0 lead in the second inning. Lawrence responded with two runs in the sixth and added another in the seventh to go ahead 3–1. The Blueboys kept the pressure on, scoring a run in the bottom of the seventh to pull within one, setting the stage for a thrilling ninth inning.
In the bottom of the ninth, IC completed the comeback with two runs to walk it off, capped by a clutch RBI single from
Nathan Walker, securing a 4–3 victory.
Walker finished the game 2-for-4, with six other Blueboys adding hits.
Charlie Lardi, who started for IC in game one, earned a no-decision. He pitched six innings, allowing two runs (none earned) while striking out eight.
Andrew Wieneke came in relief, delivering a stellar performance with one run allowed over three innings and four strikeouts. Wieneke earned the win, improving his record to 5-1 on the season.
Game 2: Lawrence 6 IC 2
The second game started with an action-packed first inning, where the Blueboys led 2–1.
Adam Passmore kicked off the bottom of the inning with a triple down the right field line, driving in
Louie Bartletti. A couple of miscues from Lawrence allowed the second run to score.
After a quiet few innings, Lawrence tied the game in the top of the fourth. Three scoreless innings followed before Lawrence took the lead in the top of the eighth, scoring two runs. They tacked on another pair of runs in the ninth to extend their lead to four.
The Blueboys mounted a rally in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases, but were unable to bring any runs across the plate.
Dawson Vernier started for IC and earned a no-decision, pitching seven innings, allowing just two runs, and striking out four.
Branson Shaw relieved Vernier and took the loss, moving to 1–1 on the season.
Louie Bartletti led the Blueboys with two hits and a walk, while
Adam Passmore went 1-for-3 and drew two walks.
Blue Notes
Charlie Lardi became the single-season record holder for strikeouts in a season with 76. A record that was previoulsy set at 71 by Dylan Jones (2018) and D.J. Davis (2016).
Up Next
The Blueboys welcome Lawrence back to Joe Brooks Field for the pivotal rubber match on Sunday afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 12:00pm.
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