BELOIT, Wis. – The Beloit College Buccaneers used a potent seventh-inning surge and strong pitching throughout to secure a 6-2 victory over Lawrence University in the final game of their series this afternoon.
The Buccaneers (13-8, 3-3 MWC) received a standout performance from right fielder Seth Brankey (Salem, Wis.), who went 3-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored, a double, and a pivotal two-run home run. Center fielder Jack Alport (Arlington Heights, Ill.) also fueled the offense, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a walk, and a stolen base.
Beloit jumped out to an early lead, scoring single runs in the first and second innings. Aiden Wood (Chandler, Ariz.) drove in Brankey with an RBI single in the first, and Brody Bremer (Mesa, Ariz.) brought home Miles Souza (Carpinteria, Calif.) with an RBI ground out in the second after Souza led off with a double.
Lawrence (9-11, 3-3 MWC) managed to tie the game at 2-2 in the top of the sixth inning, capitalizing on a Beloit error.
However, the Buccaneers responded immediately in the bottom half of the frame. Pinch-hitter Vinnie Lutz (Cary, Ill.) delivered a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Alport to retake the lead, 3-2.
Beloit put the game away in the bottom of the seventh. Following an error that allowed Nolan Tomsyck (Muskego, Wis) to reach, Brankey launched a two-run homer to left field. Later in the inning, Connor Vogel (Palmdale, Calif.) drove a triple to right field, scoring Alport to push the lead to 6-2.
The Buccaneer pitching staff effectively contained the Lawrence offense. Starter Eamon Burke (Helena, Mont.) set the tone with three scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out three without issuing a walk. Erick Tiegs (Waukesha, Wis.) followed with two dominant, perfect innings, striking out two. Harvey Pena (Riverside, Calif.) (3-0) earned the win, pitching the sixth inning. Maddon McArthur (Redondo Beach, Calif.) closed the game emphatically, tossing three perfect innings with two strikeouts to collect his fourth save of the season. The Beloit staff combined allowed only five hits and two walks while striking out six.
The Buccaneers head out of conference next week when they host the Edgewood College Eagles on Tuesday and the MSOE Raiders on Wednesday. Both games will be played at ABC Supply Stadium in downtown Beloit. First pitch for both games is set for 6 pm.
