McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University baseball team began its home schedule for 2025 with a decisive victory over Principia College, winning 21-0 on March 18. The Titans improved their record to 6-6, marking their highest scoring game since last year, while the Panthers fell to 2-11.

Senior pitcher Dalen Banks earned his third win of the season by striking out seven batters and allowing just one hit in five innings. Freshman pitchers Brennan Tomhave and Cole Benson each contributed an inning of relief without giving up any hits.

The Titans' offense was strong, with four players achieving multiple hits. Sophomore John Philip Ferraro and junior Jack Flagg both hit home runs, while senior Tyler Woltman and junior Gage Wolfe each recorded three RBIs.

Illinois Wesleyan had a total of 18 hits compared to Principia's single hit. The Titans took advantage of six errors by the Panthers and did not commit any themselves. They also had significantly more at-bats than Principia, with a count of 40 against the Panthers' 21.

In the first inning alone, IWU scored eight runs. Senior Justin Gadomski started with a double, followed by senior Cade Tomhave's single that advanced Gadomski to third base. A walk loaded the bases for senior Woltman who then singled to center field. An error allowed all three runners to score, putting IWU ahead early.

Ferraro walked next, and Flagg reached base on another error which moved runners into scoring positions again. Wolfe's single brought two more runs in before additional errors allowed more Titan players to score, concluding the first inning at an 8-0 lead.

IWU continued its offensive momentum into subsequent innings. By the second inning, Ferraro had already homered for two more runs making it a ten-run lead which continued to expand through successive innings due largely in part from contributions across their lineup including further homers from Flagg later on.

The game concluded after seven innings under mercy rule conditions as IWU completed their commanding shutout victory at home ground versus Principia College showcasing both effective pitching performances coupled alongside aggressive batting displays throughout entire match duration leading them ultimately towards triumphal outcome overall tallying final scoreline favorably towards hosts standing currently even within season’s ongoing progression looking forward upcoming encounters scheduled soon thereafter facing Wabash College forthcoming weekend series comprising multiple contests taking place accordingly designated locations respective timings specified previously aforementioned related information contextually relevant here provided succinctly enough thereby encapsulating essential aspects covered comprehensively therein described fully articulated fashion altogether combined seamlessly integrated narrative framework established coherently structured manner thus ensuring clarity 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