JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – In an afternoon twin bill defined by late-inning heroics and offensive resilience, the Beloit College Buccaneers displayed their competitive fire against Illinois College at Joe Brooks Field. While the Buccaneers (7-11, 0-2 MWC) ultimately dropped both contests by narrow margins—falling 6-5 and 7-4—the day was highlighted by explosive scoring frames and standout individual performances.
Game 1: Beloit 5, Illinois College 6
In the opening game of the series, Beloit proved they are never out of a fight. After trailing 2-1 through six innings, the Buccaneers' offense exploded for four runs in the top of the 7th to take a commanding 5-2 lead.
The rally began with Jack Alport (Arlington Heights, Ill.) and Jacopo "JT" Tamburini (Bologna, Italy) reaching base, with Alport eventually crossing the plate on a passed ball to tie the game. Moments later, Blake Nelson (Monument, CO.) delivered the highlight of the afternoon, launching a towering three-run home run to right-center field, scoring Tamburini and Seth Brankey (Salem, Wis.).
Nelson finished the game with 4 RBIs, providing the backbone of the Beloit attack. Tamburini was nearly perfect at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored, while Alport added two hits and a walk to the winning effort. On the mound, Ben Schweit (Simi Valley, CA.) turned in a marathon performance, tossing 7.0 innings and striking out seven batters while allowing only two earned runs.
Despite the late surge, Illinois College managed to reclaim the lead in the bottom of the 9th, walking off with a 6-5 victory in a heartbreaker for the Bucs.
Game 2: Beloit 4, Illinois College 7
The second game saw Beloit continue to showcase their "never-say-die" attitude. Starting pitcher Erick Tiegs (Waukesha, Wis.) kept the Buccaneers in the game early, delivering a masterful 5.0 innings of work, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out two.
Beloit struck first in the 3rd inning when Parker Krcmar (Waupaca, Wis.) reached on a fielder's choice and was driven home by a clutch RBI double from Nelson, who continued his hot streak at the plate.
After Illinois College built a 7-1 lead heading into the final frame, the Buccaneers mounted a furious 9th-inning comeback attempt. Peyton Nisy (Riverview, Fla.) and Alportdrew walks to set the stage for Brankey, who laced an RBI single to center to score Nisy. The Bucs then utilized aggressive baserunning to score Alport on a passed ball, followed by a sacrifice fly from Elliott Simpson (Elkhorn, NE.) that brought home Brankey.
The Buccaneers and Blue Boys will wrap up the series tomorrow at Joe Brooks Baseball Field. First pitch is set for 12 pm.
