McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University baseball team is set to face Wheaton College in a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin series this weekend. The two teams will compete in three games, starting with the first at Jack Horenberger Field in Bloomington on April 18 at 2 p.m., followed by a doubleheader at Wheaton on April 19.

Entering the match, Illinois Wesleyan (IWU) holds a record of 16 wins and 12 losses overall, with an 8-4 standing in the conference. They recently secured a victory against North Central College, overcoming a 3-0 early setback to win 9-3. Junior Jake Pullam started the game on the mound, completing four innings with three strikeouts. Junior Luke Costello pitched five innings in relief, striking out five, to earn the win. Junior Gage Wolfe contributed to the offense, going 3-for-5 at the plate, with a double, an RBI, and two runs.

The upcoming series renews a longstanding rivalry between IWU and Wheaton, which dates back to 1989. IWU has amassed a 74-29 advantage in all-time meetings and has won four of the last five games. Their latest encounter saw IWU winning 9-1 against Wheaton on April 17, 2024, where Justin Gadomski's performance was pivotal.

In the conference, IWU leads with a team batting average of .341, ahead of Carthage at .322 and Carroll at .304. Individually, senior Cade Tomhave boasts a leading .430 batting average and a .543 on-base percentage within the CCIW. Gadomski leads in hits and doubles, with Wolfe having the most sacrifice bunts. Pitcher Pullam has allowed the fewest doubles, just one, all season.

Fans can keep track of the games live through the IWUsports website.