Illinois Wesleyan Titans Men's Baseball | Illinois Wesleyan Titans
Illinois Wesleyan Titans Men's Baseball | Illinois Wesleyan Titans
The Illinois Wesleyan University baseball team has secured the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Regular Season Championship for the first time since 2013, following a doubleheader sweep against Carthage College on May 3. The Titans won the games 5-2 and 6-4, earning the rights to host the upcoming CCIW Tournament. With these wins, IWU improved its record to 26-13 and 16-4 in the conference, while Carthage fell to 28-12 and 14-6.
In the first game, Illinois Wesleyan quickly established a lead, with freshman Matt Hudik reaching first on an error and advancing on a hit by senior Justin Gadomski. Senior Jimmy Gurgone brought Hudik home, giving the Titans an early advantage. Senior Tristan Figus later scored, further extending the lead. Carthage tied the game in the seventh, but Figus hit a three-run home run in the eighth, sealing the Titans' victory.
The Titans' defense included a significant play in the third inning, with a double play involving Cade Tomhave, Gadomski, and Will Davidsmeier. The game concluded with Illinois Wesleyan tallying 12 hits while restricting Carthage to three. Figus led with a 3-for-4 performance, including a home run and three RBIs. The win went to junior Luke Costello, who pitched the final two innings.
In the second game, junior Cole Shamhart started pitching for IWU, striking out seven in four innings. Carthage took an early lead, but IWU rallied, tying the game in the seventh inning with a hit from senior Casey Swanson. Senior Luke Schwab was credited with the win after pitching 1.1 innings without allowing any runs, and senior Brady Hartman secured the save.
The Titans also displayed strong offensive efforts from sophomores Jack Novak and Luca Morelli, both registering hits and runs. Illinois Wesleyan added an insurance run in the eighth inning, closing the game at 6-4.
The upcoming CCIW Tournament will take place from May 7-10, with Illinois Wesleyan hosting as the top seed. The Titans will start their tournament play on May 8, facing the lowest remaining seed.
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