WINTER HAVEN, FL – The Beloit College Buccaneers showcased a potent offense and disciplined pitching this afternoon, overcoming an early deficit to defeat Concordia-Moorhead 9-5 at the Chain of Lakes Park. The victory improves Beloit's early-season record to 3-1.
After falling behind 2-0 in the first three innings, Beloit's bats came alive in the bottom of the third. The comeback was ignited by Blake Nelson (Monument, CO.), who laced a double to left field to drive in Jack Alport (Arlington Heights, Ill.). The pressure continued as Nolan Tomsyck (Muskego, Wis) reached on an error by the third baseman, allowing Seth Brankey (Salem, Wis.) to cross the plate and tie the game. Jordan Rosenberg (Leawood, KS) then gave the Buccaneers their first lead of the day with a clutch RBI single to shortstop, scoring Tomsyck to make it 3-2.
The Bucs broke the game open in the bottom of the fourth inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues and patient plate appearances to hang five runs on the scoreboard. With the bases loaded, Nelson drew a disciplined walk to pick up his second RBI of the game.
The big blow came from Tomsyck, who moved the runners with a sharp single up the middle, driving in two runs. Drew Hanson (Edgerton, Wis.) kept the line moving with an RBI single to the right side, and later advanced to second and eventually scored on a wild pitch, extending the Beloit lead to a commanding 8-2.
The Buccaneers' offense was paced by catcher Nelson, who finished the day 2-for-3 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Nelson added an insurance run in the fifth inning with an RBI single to left-center, scoring Brankey.
Brankey was a dual-threat for Beloit, contributing significantly both at the plate and on the mound. Brankey went 2-for-3 with three runs scored from the third spot in the order before moving to the pitcher's mound in the ninth inning to close out the game with a scoreless frame.
Starting pitcher Ben Schweit (Simi Valley, CA.) earned his first win of the season (1-1), providing a steady presence for the Buccaneers. Schweit logged 6.0 innings, striking out five batters and allowing only three earned runs on eight hits. He was supported by a relief appearance from Caleb Lasher (Albuquerque, N.M.), who threw 2.0 innings, and Brankey, who secured the final three outs to preserve the 9-5 win.
The Buccaneers face UW-Superior tomorrow in a doubleheader. First pitch for game one is set for 9:15 am ET (8:15 am CT). Game two is set to start at 10:45 am ET (9:45 am CT).
