McLean County Times

Illinois Wesleyan University's baseball team faced North Park University, resulting in a 15-10 defeat despite a spirited comeback attempt. This game, held on March 28, left Illinois Wesleyan with a season record of 7-9 and opened their College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) play with a loss. North Park University, meanwhile, secured their first conference win of the season.

Junior Nathan Waterman started on the mound for Illinois Wesleyan, marking his first collegiate start. After Waterman's time on the mound, sophomore Caleb Martinez and freshman Michael Gurgone pitched in relief. Notably, Gurgone delivered a solid five-inning performance with six strikeouts.

Offensively, senior Justin Gadomski stood out, completing the game with impressive statistics: 3-for-5 at the plate, two home runs, four RBIs, and four runs scored. His first home run was a 364-foot shot in the first inning, tying the game 1-1. Yet, North Park quickly gained the upper hand with a significant nine-run surge over the second and third innings.

Illinois Wesleyan began reducing the deficit in the game’s middle innings. Senior Tyler Woltman recorded his first home run with the Titans. The rally continued with Gadomski's second home run in the seventh inning, a 403-foot blast, following by additional runs in the eighth, including a two-run hit from sophomore John Phillip Ferraro. Gadomski also contributed with a double that brought in two more runs.

Despite the late push, Illinois Wesleyan could not close the gap, falling to North Park 15-10. The Titans aim to avenge their loss in an upcoming matchup against the Vikings on March 29 at North Park's Holmgren Athletic Complex in Chicago, Ill., with the first pitch at 1 p.m.