MOUNT VERNON, IA – The Beloit College Buccaneers (12-5, 2-0 MWC) kicked off their Midwest Conference (MWC) season with two resounding wins over the Cornell College Rams (7-11, 0-2 MWC). The Bucs' offense came alive in game one, racking up 15 hits en route to a 9-4 victory. They didn't stop there, they swept the doubleheader, defeating the Rams 8-3 in game two, producing 13 hits.
Game 1:
While Cornell College took an early lead, Beloit remained patient and capitalized on opportunities, ultimately turning the tide in the later innings.
The Buccaneer offense was a force to be reckoned with, as evidenced by their 15 hits. Jack Alport (Arlington Heights, Ill.) had a stellar day at the plate. He went 4-for-6 with an RBI, consistently putting himself in scoring positions. Seth Brankey (Salem, Wis.) was also a constant threat. He tallied 3 hits, an RBI, and a double, showcasing her power at the plate. The third baseman, Miles Souza (Carpinteria, Calif.), was a key contributor with 2 hits and a game-high 3 RBIs. His timely hits drove in crucial runs and propelled the Buccaneers forward. Finally, Connor Vogel (Palmdale, Calif.) drove in 2 runs, showing the offensive strength of the Beloit team. Sacrifices from Vogel and Souza brought runners home, while the Bucs capitalized on walks and hit-by-pitches to put runners in scoring position. Beloit also stole a base, highlighting their ability to manufacture runs in various ways.
On the mound, Aiden Phipps (Simi Valley, Calif.) delivered a strong performance on the mound. He pitched eight innings, allowing only four earned runs on 11 hits and recording one strikeout. His ability to control the game and limit the damage from the Cornell offense was instrumental in securing the victory. The victory marked the 23rd of his career, setting a new career wins record at Beloit College. Harvey Pena (Riverside, Calif.) closed out the game with a scoreless inning, securing the victory for the Buccaneers.
Several key moments shifted the momentum in Beloit's favor. The Buccaneers got on the board early, scoring a run in the first inning thanks to a single to left field by Souza. After falling behind, Beloit regained the lead in the 5th inning, adding two more runs to make it 3-2. The offense truly exploded in the 7th inning, however, as they scored four runs to extend their lead to 7-3. Then, in the 9th inning, Beloit capitalized on a Rams fielding error and a subsequent wild pitch to tack on two more runs, effectively sealing the 9-4 victory.
Game 2:
After putting up just one run in the first four innings, Beloit's offense exploded in the 5th inning, plating five runs to take a commanding lead. Key hits from Nolan Tomsyck (Muskego, Wis) and Alport ignited the rally. Brankey also played a crucial role, reaching base twice during the inning and driving in a run.
Aiden Wood (Chandler, Ariz.) delivered the biggest blow of the inning, blasting a two-RBI double down the left field line, extending Beloit's advantage. The Buccaneers continued to add insurance runs in the 6th and 9th innings, securing the win.
Offensively, the Buccaneers displayed a balanced attack, with a total of 13 hits. Alport and Brankey spearheaded the charge, notching three hits each.
On the mound, sophomore pitcher Ben Schweit (Simi Valley, CA.) earned the victory for Beloit, pitching a dominant 6.2 innings and allowing only two earned runs. Schweit effectively navigated the Cornell College lineup, striking out four batters and limiting their opportunities. Maddon McArthur (Redondo Beach, Calif.) closed out the game, securing the save with a clean 2.1 innings of work, striking out four and allowing no hits.
The Buccaneers and Rams will close out the series this weekend. Game three is slated to be played Sunday, March 31st at 12 pm at The Ballpark at Strong Stadium in Beloit.
