AUBURDALE, FL -On their last day of competition at the RussMatt Invitational, the Beloit College baseball team secured two dramatic wins. In the first game, they secured a 9-8 victory over Greenville University (6-10, 0-0). The Buccaneers (8-4, 0-0 MWC) fought back from an early deficit, culminating in a thrilling bottom-of-the-7th inning rally. In the second game, they defeated the Calvin Knights (7-5, 0-0 MIAA) 9-7, coming back with three runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Game 1:
The game saw the Panthers jump out to an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning and adding to their total with a solo home run by Smith in the third. However, Beloit responded with a powerful offensive display in the bottom of the first, highlighted by a three-run home run from Connor Vogel (Palmdale, Calif.) and a two-run shot from Blake Nelson (Monument, CO.), giving them an early 5-2 advantage.
Greenville wouldn't back down, though. They chipped away at the lead and regained the advantage in the 6th inning, taking an 8-5 lead, largely thanks to Smith's two-RBI single.
Down three runs heading into the bottom of the 7th, the Buccaneers showcased their resilience and determination. Nolan Tomsyck (Muskego, Wis) started the rally with a single, followed by Aiden Wood's (Chandler, Ariz.) walk and Miles Souza (Carpinteria, Calif.) reaching on an error. Blake Nelson (Monument, CO.) then delivered an RBI single, and a two-RBI double by Brendan Meyers (Palatine, Ill.) tied the game. Finally, with the score deadlocked, Jordan Rosenberg (Leawood, KS) delivered the game-winning RBI single, driving in Peyton Nisy (Riverview, Fla.) and sparking a jubilant celebration for Beloit..
The Beloit pitching staff, anchored by Maddon McArthur's (Redondo Beach, Calif.) solid relief appearance, managed to limit Greenville's offense after the 6th inning, allowing the Buccaneers to mount their comeback.
Game 2:
Game two was a rollercoaster of scoring, errors, and clutch plays that showcased the talent and resilience of both teams.
Beloit's offense was led by a standout performance from Seth Brankey (Salem, Wis.), who had a stellar day with the bat, going 3-for-3 with a double, a triple, and 3 RBIs. Vogel also contributed significantly, going 2-for-5 with an RBI, while Wood added a triple and an RBI.
The Buccaneers capitalized on several opportunities throughout the game, scoring multiple runs in the first, second, and sixth innings to build their lead. Brankey's triple in the second inning was a game-changer, driving in two runs and setting the stage for a Beloit rally. Vogel's RBI single in the sixth extended Beloit's lead, giving them a crucial cushion in the late innings.
Elijah Love (Madison, Wis.) also came up big for Beloit, delivering a clutch two-RBI single in the sixth inning. This offensive firepower helped Beloit secure the victory and improve their season record to 8-4.
On the pitching side, Maddon McArthur (Redondo Beach, Calif.) earned the win for Beloit, and Harvey Pena (Riverside, Calif.) secured the save, closing out the game in the final innings. The Beloit pitching staff collectively managed to strike out 14 Calvin batters.
The Buccaneers head back to Florida after going 5-4 on the week. They are back in action on Saturday, March 22nd against Carroll. The games will be played at ABC Supply stadium and times are set for 12 pm and 2:30 pm.
