McLean County Times

WHEATON, Ill. – The Illinois Wesleyan University baseball team emerged victorious with a 12-7 win over Elmhurst University on Sunday, April 6, at Pfund Stadium. The triumph marked a sweep over Elmhurst, a feat Illinois Wesleyan last achieved in 2019. This result improved the Titans' record to 12-10 overall and 5-2 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. In contrast, Elmhurst fell to 7-15 overall and 1-4 in league play.

Junior Cole Shamhart initiated the game for the Titans with a strong five-inning performance earning the win. Relief pitchers sophomore Caleb Martinez and freshman Brennan Tomhave successfully maintained the Titans' lead. Martinez contributed one inning with one strikeout, while B. Tomhave pitched three innings, achieving three strikeouts and securing the save.

On the offensive side, senior Jimmy Gurgone and junior Gage Wolfe each played a significant role, both going 3-for-4. Gurgone scored two runs, received one RBI, and hit a double. Wolfe, meanwhile, brought in two RBIs, scored once, and earned a two-bagger. The team collectively amassed 18 hits, including four doubles and 12 RBIs.

The Titans started strong with eight runs off eight hits in the top of the first inning. Senior Justin Gadomski initiated the scoring with a single. Senior Cade Tomhave followed with a walk. Gurgone drove in Gadomski with a single, after which sophomore John Philip Ferraro and Wolfe added to the tally with their hits.

Wolfe's double drove in two more, and junior Jack Flagg's double added runs to push the Titans' lead to 5-0. Contributions from freshman Matt Hudik's single and senior Tristan Figus increased the lead further. A double by Gadomski concluded the prolific inning at 8-0 before Elmhurst’s response.

Elmhurst managed a run in the bottom of the first, but Illinois Wesleyan maintained momentum. Gurgone scored again from a sacrifice fly by Wolfe in the top of the second. Despite Elmhurst narrowing the gap in the bottom of the second with four runs, Illinois Wesleyan promptly replied with two runs in the third.

The fifth saw one more run for the Titans when C. Tomhave crossed home following a sacrifice fly by Ferraro. Elmhurst added two in the sixth, but the rest of the game held steady, and Illinois Wesleyan secured a final score of 12-7.

Looking forward, the Titans return home for games against North Central College on April 8, and Monmouth College on April 9 at Jack Horenberger Field in Bloomington, Ill. Both games are scheduled at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively.