BELOIT, WI – In a competitive non-conference matchup at ABC Supply stadium this evening, the Beloit College Buccaneers displayed grit and late-inning determination before ultimately falling 7-4 to UW-River Falls. Despite the loss, the Buccaneers (7-6, 0-0 MAC) showed flashes of the offensive execution and lockdown relief pitching that have defined their winning record this season.
After falling behind 1-0 early, Beloit surged ahead in the bottom of the third inning, capitalizing on aggressive baserunning and defensive miscues by the Falcons. Drew Hanson (Edgerton, Wis.) got the rally started with a sharp double down the left-field line. He later crossed the plate to tie the game when Jack Alport (Arlington Heights, Ill.) reached first on a throwing error. The Buccaneers didn't stop there; Brody Bremer (Mesa, Ariz.), who had reached base on a bunt single, showed great awareness to score on a wild pitch, giving Beloit a 2-1 lead.
In the fourth inning, Jacopo "JT" Tamburini (Bologna, Italy)—who led the team with a multi-hit performance—ignited another scoring opportunity with a single to center. He was eventually driven home by Jordan Rosenberg (Leawood, KS), whose disciplined groundout to shortstop narrowed the deficit to 4-3 at the time.
One of the major highlights for the Buccaneers was the stellar relief performance of Collin Wright (Longmont, CO.). Taking the mound in the sixth inning, Wright completely silenced the Falcons' bats. He tossed 4.0 scoreless innings, surrendering only two hits and no walks while racking up four strikeouts. Wright's efficiency kept Beloit within striking distance throughout the latter half of the game, providing the team a chance for a comeback.
The Buccaneers refused to go quietly in the bottom of the ninth. Showing the "never-say-die" attitude of the program, Alport drew a walk to start the frame. Parker Krcmar (Waupaca, Wis.) then stepped up and delivered a clutch double down the left-field line, moving Alport to third.
Seth Brankey (Salem, Wis.)then executed a perfect sacrifice fly to right field, driving in Alport for Beloit's fourth run of the game. While the rally fell just short, the inning served as a testament to the Buccaneers' ability to pressure opponents until the final out.
The Buccaneers travel to Waukesha for a doubleheader clash with Carroll on Sunday. First pitch from Frame Park is set for 1 pm.
