McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University baseball team achieved an 11-4 win over Carroll University on April 1, in a display of offensive strength at Horenberger Field. This win marked the Titans' first victory in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin for the season.

Senior Dalen Banks started on the mound, pitching for 3.1 innings with four strikeouts before being relieved by Caleb Martinez, Luke Costello, and Brady Hartman. Hartman, a senior, secured the win by pitching two scoreless innings, facing nine batters and allowing two hits and a walk.

Senior Justin Gadomski was a key offensive player, going 3-for-5 with a home run, two runs scored, three RBIs, and a double. Freshmen Ben Ford and Matt Hudik both finished the game 2-for-3, contributing similarly to the team's efforts.

In total, the Titans accumulated 14 hits and 10 RBIs. They managed 27 putouts and 12 assists defensively, while their pitching staff achieved six strikeouts.

Carroll took an early lead, scoring four runs by the fifth inning. However, Illinois Wesleyan responded in the bottom of the fifth to take a 5-4 lead, initiated by hits from Ben Ford, Gage Wolfe, and Jack Flagg, with crucial RBI singles from Tristan Figus and a double from Gadomski.

The sixth inning saw Illinois Wesleyan extend their lead further with six more runs, ensuring a commanding position over Carroll. Highlights included a three-run homer by Gadomski, cementing their advantage.

The Titans' closed the game with uneventful ninth-inning plays, safeguarding the 11-4 victory. They are scheduled to face Millikin University next, with the game set for 6 p.m. at the Workman Family Baseball Field.