WAUKESHA, Wis. – The Beloit College Buccaneers displayed late-inning heroics and defensive grit this afternoon, in a competitive doubleheader against Carroll University. While the Buccaneers (7-8, 0-0 MWC) ultimately fell short in both contests—dropping the first game 6-3 and the second 6-5—the squad proved they could go toe-to-toe with the Pioneers (11-7, CCIW), nearly pulling off a massive comeback in the nightcap.

Game One: Beloit 3, Carroll 6

The first game of the twin bill saw Beloit jump back into contention early after falling behind 2-0. In the top of the 4th inning, the Buccaneers showcased their extra-base power.

Seth Brankey (Salem, Wis.) kickstarted the offense with a single, followed by a booming RBI double to right field by Nolan Tomsyck (Muskego, Wis). Jacopo "JT" Tamburini (Bologna, Italy) immediately followed suit, tattooing a double to center field to drive in Tomsyck and tie the game at 2-2.

The Pioneers managed to retake the lead in the 5th, but Beloit continued to battle until the final out. In the top of the 9th, Blake Nelson (Monument, CO.) led off with a double. He eventually scored on a fielder's choice off the bat of Tamburini, marking the third run of the game for Beloit. However, the Carroll pitching staff managed to navigate the late-inning threat to secure the win in game one. 

Game Two: Beloit 5, Carroll 6

In the afternoon's second matchup, Beloit faced a steep 6-0 deficit heading into the final stages of the game. Refusing to go quietly, the Buccaneers' bats ignited for a massive four-run surge in the top of the 7th inning.

The rally began when Brian Messing (Rockford, Mich.) and Jack Alport (Arlington Heights, Ill.) reached base, setting the stage for Parker Krcmar (Waupaca, Wis.) who drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home Beloit's first run. Moments later, Alport and Messing capitalized on a wild pitch to narrow the gap further. Brankey then delivered a deep sacrifice fly to center, and Tomsyck capped the inning with a clutch RBI single to right field, bringing the Buccaneers within two.

Beloit continued to pressure the Pioneers in the 8th. After Jordan Rosenberg (Leawood, KS) blasted a pinch-hit double, Hunter Rauhaus (Chicago, Ill.)eventually crossed the plate on a Carroll throwing error to make it a one-run game. Despite out-hitting the Pioneers 9 to 6, the Buccaneers were unable to find the tying run in the 9th.

The Buccaneers are back on the field on Monday afternoon when they head to Rockford University and Regent Field for a 3 pm first pitch.