Babson Park, FL – The No. 12 Warriors moved to 13-3 after clinching their series against No. 2 Point Park, winning both games of their double-header on Saturday afternoon at Brad Niethammer Field. In the first seven-inning game, WIU played small ball as they notched a 1-0 win. In the second game, the Warriors came from behind to take the game 5-4.
GAME ONE: MARTIN LEADS WARRIORS PAST PIONEERS IN SHUTOUT FASHION
Dylan Martin started on the mound, he threw for 6.0 innings, totaling eight strikeouts, and only allowing two hits. Seth Lovell followed in relief for one inning, with three strikeouts and holding the Bears to no runs, securing his second save for the Patriots.
Deven Tedders went 2-2 recording two singles while Brodey Neveker and Richard Rodriguez both went 1-2. Neveker brought in the lone run with a single in the bottom of the 4th inning.
The Pioneers got things rolling with a first-pitch leadoff single. Martin then kept the Pioneers off the board with a flyout, fielder's choice, and pick-off. After two straight 1-2-3 innings, Camren Carrol got on base after he got hit by a pitch. A sac bunt for Tyren Milliner then moved the runner into scoring position before a Neveker single through the left side brought Jonathan Vega home, making it 1-0 for Webber.
Martin responded with two strikeouts and a ground out to keep the Warriors' lead. The Warriors added a hit in the bottom of the sixth but were unable to convert any more runs. Seth Lovell came in for the last inning and recorded three strikeouts to seal the deal.
GAME TWO: WARRIORS COME FROM BEHIND TO DEFEAT #20 POINT PARK 5-4.
The Warriors were led by shortstop, Richard Rodriguez, who went 1-for-2, collecting one run and two RBIs. Joseph Becker hit 2-for-2 and picked up an RBI. Ian Kalman, Josh Blackmore, and Bryan Morales all added hits and runs to the board as the Warriors slid past PPU.
Jonathan Bautista was credited with the win, pitching 5.1 innings with four strikeouts and allowing four runs. Danny Rodriguez came in for relief and earned his second save of the year. D. Rodriguez pitched 1.2 innings and tallied four strikes to keep the Pioneers at bay.
PPU scored three quick runs in the top of the 1st inning. The Warriors responded with a Joe Becker single to allow Tyren Milliner to score. Bautista found his footing and pitched a quick scoreless inning to put the Warriors back on defense.
After three scoreless innings, R. Rodriguez singled through the right side to bring in two runs and give the Warriors the lead. Ian Kalman followed suit with a single to centerfield to bring R. Rodriguez home.
The Pioneers got one more run off a lead-off home run in the top of the 6th before D. Rodriguez closed the game with two strikeouts and a groundout.
Webber will have a short break before opening SUNC play by hosting Ave Maria on Thursday, February 29th and Friday, March 1t. The first pitch is set for 2 PM on Thursday.
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