Lincoln, NE – The Webber International Baseball team cruised to an emphatic 11-1 victory over Indiana Wesleyan University, delivering a powerful combination of timely hitting, strong pitching, and defensive efficiency. The Warriors victory over the Wildcats officially qualifies Webber for the Avista NAIA World Series.
Indiana Wesleyan started the game positively, scoring in the top of the first inning on C. Engelsman's RBI double down the right-field line, which brought home T. Mathews, giving them an early 1-0 lead. However, Webber quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning as Jalen Martinez tied the game with an RBI single that plated J. Smith.
Webber took command in the bottom of the second inning, taking advantage of Indiana Wesleyan miscues. Bryan Morales began the inning with a walk, followed by another walk to Skylar Schulz. A fielding error allowed Morales to score, and Schulz later came around on a double play, pushing Webber ahead 3-1.
After a quiet third inning for both sides, Webber blew the game open in the fourth, showcasing a relentless offensive attack. After loading the bases with aggressive hitting and patience at the plate, Richard Rodriguez delivered a clutch two-run single. Martinez then doubled down the left-field line, scoring two more runners and extending Webber's lead significantly to 7-1.
Webber continued their offensive surge in the fifth inning, tacking on two more runs. Morales singled to set the table, Schulz added another single, and Steven Nitch doubled to left, driving in Morales. Schulz scored shortly afterward on an RBI groundout by Camren Carrol, making it 9-1.
The Warriors added another run in the sixth inning through disciplined situational hitting. Martinez drew a walk, advanced to third on R. Recio's double, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Brandon Sanchez, extending their advantage to 10-1.
Meanwhile, Webber's pitching and defense effectively shut down Indiana Wesleyan's offense after the first inning. Indiana Wesleyan managed occasional hits but consistently failed to capitalize due to strong pitching performances by Webber's staff and clean defensive play.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Webber added one final insurance run. Jarrett May singled and advanced to third after a walk and a wild pitch. With the bases loaded, pinch hitter Joshua Blackmore drove in May with a solid single to center, setting the final score at 11-1.
Indiana Wesleyan attempted to mount a late-game comeback in the eighth inning when T. Vojtkofsk doubled to left field, but the rally was extinguished quickly by Webber pitching, which retired the next three batters without further trouble.
In the top of the ninth, Gregory Bori closed the door firmly, retiring the Wildcats in order to secure the decisive victory.
With the Warriors undefeated trip to Lincoln, they have qualified for the Avista NAIA World Series for the second time in program history, following the trip in 2022. Webber will await the other six regionals to find out their first opponent.
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