McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University baseball team concluded its series against Washington University of St. Louis with a 4-1 victory on Sunday, March 2. This win allowed the Titans to even their season record at 3-3 and handed WashU its first loss, bringing their record to 5-1.

Illinois Wesleyan led the game statistically with an 11-3 advantage in hits. Senior Cade Tomhave had a standout performance, going 3-for-4 at the plate, scoring two runs, and contributing an RBI. Freshmen Ben Ford and Matt Hudik each added two hits, while Tyler Woltman led the team with two RBIs.

Junior Jake Pullam secured the win as pitcher, improving his personal record to 2-0 for the season. He pitched six innings with four strikeouts and limited WashU to just two hits. Caleb Martinez and Luke Costello provided scoreless relief innings; Martinez handled the seventh inning while Costello closed out the game with two hitless innings to earn a save.

WashU initially took a lead in the second inning without recording a hit. A leadoff batter reached base via a hit by pitch followed by a sacrifice bunt that advanced him to third base, allowing WashU to take advantage of a sacrifice fly for their sole run.

Illinois Wesleyan tied the game in the sixth inning when Tomhave singled to right field and advanced on a wild pitch. After Jimmy Gurgone's single put runners on first and third with one out, Jack Flagg drove home Tomhave with an infield play.

In the seventh inning, Illinois Wesleyan scored twice more for a 3-1 lead. Hudik reached base on a bunt single and moved into scoring position following Gage Wolfe's walk. Tristan Figus' bunt loaded the bases for Tomhave who then delivered an RBI single. Woltman's subsequent sacrifice fly brought Wolfe home.

The Titans added another run in the ninth when Tomhave walked and later scored off Woltman's double down the left line.

Costello finished strong in the bottom of the ninth with three quick outs to secure Illinois Wesleyan's victory.

Looking ahead, Illinois Wesleyan will participate in a six-game tournament in Fort Myers, Florida from March 9-14 before hosting Principia College for their first home game on March 18.